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PHILADELPHIA 


m 



OH, 

A BRIEF ACCOUNT 

OF 

THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC 
OBJECTS IN THIS METROPOLIS : 

BEIXG 

A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR STRANGERS, 

AND 

AN USEFUL COMPENDIUM 

FOH 

THE INHABITANTS. 


To which is prefixed, 

An Historical and Statistical Account of the City, 


WITH A PIAN OF THE CITT, Vl’EXy^.OT'THE WATER-WORKS, 



H. C. CAREY & LEA-CHESNUT STREET. 
August, 1824. 





iS2 

• 

.■Pfo 


EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, to wits 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the seventeenth day of 
(L.S.) August,^ in the forty-ninth year of the Independence of the 
" United States of America, A. D. 1324, H. C. Carey ir /. Lea, 
of the said District, have deposited in this Office the Title of a Book, the 
right whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the words following, to wit:— 

Philadelphia in 1824 ; or, a Brief Account of the various Institutions 
*‘and Public Objects in this Metropolis: being a Complete Guide for 
Strangers, and an Useful Compendium for the Inhabitants. To which 
“is prefixed, an Historical and Statistical Account of the City. With a 
“ Plan of the City, View of the Water-Works, and other Engravings.” 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, Intituled, 
“An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, 
during the times therein mentioned;” And also to the Act, entitled, “An 
Act supplementary to an Act, entitled, ‘ An Act for the encouragement 
of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the au¬ 
thors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned,’ 
and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, 
and etching historical and other prints.” 

D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the 

Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

i 

• # 

t C V 


L» Kt Builej'j BriiiitJ'- 



ADVERTISEMENT. 


A 


% 


The following brief view of tlie institutions of Philadel¬ 
phia is presented to the public, not as a picture of the city 
perfect in all respects, but as coming nearer to a correct de¬ 
lineation of it than any work that has yet appeared, and as’ 
affording to strangers and citizens a considerable mass of ac¬ 
curate information in a very portable form. Whatever may 
be the deficiencies of the volume—and it is believed that 
they are not many—the publishers have the satisfaction of 
knowing that they have spared no pains to procure the most 
authentic information from the best sources, and, it being 
their intention to continue the work annually, should it meet 
with sufficient patronage, the opportunity will be offered, 
in future editions, for additions and improvements. With 
that view, they will be glad to be informed of any errors or 
omissions that may be discovered. 

The list of streets, lanes, alleys, and courts, is believed to 
be the most complete catalogue of the kind in existence, 
having been made with uncommon care, from an actual exa¬ 
mination of every pai’t of the city, districts, and suburbs, by 
a person employed especially for the purpose. The plan of 
the City annexed is entirely new, and was also constructed 
from a cai-eful personal inspection of the region embraced 
in it, > 


August^ 1824. 


>/ 



ERRATA. 


44', 7th line from the bottom, for New York 7, read 
New York 9. 

123, dele lines 3 and 4, 


' *A «moWo<f odi Aio'ft olt.? rri*? 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PART I. 

-Page 


LRIE? SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA, - 1 

Primitive Settlement^ ----- 1 

PART 11. 

MUXICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF PHILADELPHIA, - - 19 

City of Philadelphiay . . - . - ib. 

JV'orthern Liberties, ----- 20 

Spring Garden, ------ ib. 

Kensington, - - - - - - 21 

Soiithtvark, - - - . - . ib. 

JMoyamensing, ------ jb. 

Representation, ------ ib. 

PART III. 

TOPOGRAPHY, SOIL, CLIMATE, HEALTH, POPULATION, &C. 22 

Observations on the J\fortality of Philadelphia, 25 
Comparative View of Mortality, &c. ~ - 23 

Population, ------ 29 


PART IV. 


MISCELLANEOUS FACTS, RELATING TO THE COMMERCE, MA- 


---- y - 

NUFACTURES, CAPITAL, &C. OF 

- 9 - 

PHILADELPHIA, 

31 

Commerce, - - - 

- 

• « • 

ib. 

Manufactures, 

- 

- 

35 

Internal Improvements, 

- 


40 

Capital of Philadelphia, 

- 

• • • 

41 

(a 2 ) 









CONTENTS, 


It 


Page 

Proportion of the Florida Award paid in Phila¬ 
delphia, .43 

Contributions to the State Goverjimcnt, - - 44 

Post Office, ------ ib. 

JVewspaperSf ib. 

Real estate, and Taxes, - - » . 45 

Internal Trade, ------ ib. 

Population, ib. 

JVegro Population, .46 


PART V. 


OUS INSTITUTIONS, 




47 

Roman Catholics, 




ib. 

Protestant Episcopalians, 




48 

Presbyterians, 




49 

Scots Presbyterians, 




51 

Covenanters, 




ib. 

Ruptists, - - - 




ib. 

jyiethodists, . 




52 

Friends, or Quakers, - 




ib. 

Free Quakers, 




53 

German Lutherans, 




ib. 

German Reformed, 




ib. 

Reformed Dutch, 




ib. 

Universalists, 




ib. 

Swedenborgians, - 




54 

J\Ioravia7is, or United Brethren, - 



ib. 

Swedish Jjutherans, 




ib. 

JMount Zion, 




ib. 

Alcnonists, 




ib. 

Bible Christians, 




ib. 

Alariner'^s Church, 




55 

Jews, - - - 




ib. 

Unitarians, - - - 




56 

Recapitulation, - - - - - 

Societies for the Promotion of Religion and 

Mo- 

57 

ralitij, iJc, 

- 


- 

58 


. 7 .. 









CONTEXTS, 


Vli 


PART VI. 


Pape 

59 


CHARITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS AND SOCIETIES, 

Pennsylvania Hospital, 

Dispensaries, 

Public Alms-House, 

Friends* Alms-House, 

Orphan Asylum, 

St. Josephs Orphan Asylum, 

Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women, 
Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, ib. 
Philadelphia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, 66 
Christ Church Hospital, 

Eye and Ear Infirmary, 

Lunatic Asylum, 

Provident Society, 

Female Society for the lielief and Employment of 
the Poor, 

Female Hospitable Society, 

Saving Fund Society, 

Saving Fuel Society, 


Soup Societies, 

Jhtmane Society, • 

JMagdalen Society, 

Vaccine Society, 

Society for the Relief of the Children of the Poor, 
Philadelphia Society for alleviating the Miseries 
of Public Prisons, - - - 

Abolition Society, - - - 

Masonic Societies, - . - 

Franklin Fund, - - - - 

Requests to the Poor of Philadelphia, 


ib. 

61 

62 

63 

64 

ib. 

65 


ib. 

67 

ib. 

68 


ib. 

69 
ib. 
ib. 

70 
ib. 
ib. 

71 

ib. 

ib. 

72 

ib. 

73 

74 


PART VII. 


COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS—BANKS, 
NILS, CUSTOM-HOUSE, INSPECTIONS. 

Rank of the United States, 
Rank of JYorth Atnerica, - 


INSURANCE COMPA- 

&c, • - 


75 

ib. 

79 












COXTENT^. 


Bank of Pennsylvaniay - - - 80 

Bank of Philadelphia, • - > ib. 

Farmers & Mechanics' Bank, - - 81 

Commercial Bank, - - - ib. 

Mechanic's Baiik, - - - ib. 

Schuylkill Bank, - - - - 82 

Bank of the Morthern Liberties, - - ib. 

Stephen Girard's Bank, - - - ib. 

Insurance Company of JVorth America, - 83 

Insurance Company of Pennsylvania, • ib. 

Union Insurance Company, - - ib. 

Phoenix Insurance Company, - - ib. 

Belaivare Insurance Company, - - ib. 

Philadelphia Insurance Cotnpany, - - ib. 

United States' Insurance Company, - 84 

Marine Insurance Compaiiy, - - ib. 

Philadelphia Contributionship, - - ib. 

Mutual Assurance Company, - - ib. 

American Fire Insurance Company, - 85 

Fire Association of Philadelphia, - - ib. 

Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company, - ib. 

Custom-House, - - . - 86 

Wardens of the Port, - - - ib. 

Inspections, - - - - 87 

Chamber of Commerce, , - - - ib. 

Bates of Commissions, - - - 88 

Bates of Storage, - - - - 90 

Exchange, or Merchant's Coffee-House, - 93 

PART VIII. 

LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY, SCIENCES, THE ARTS, 8cC. - 93 

City Library, .ib. 

Loganian Library, - - - - . 95 

Athenceum, ------ ib. 

Friends' Library, - - - - - 97 ' 

Apprentices' Library, ----- ib. 

Mercantile Library, - - - - . 98 

Lav> Library, ------ ib. 

American Philosophical Society, - - - 99 

Academy of JVatural Sciences, - - - 100 









COXTE2fTij» 


ix. 


Philadelphia Jlluseuiriy - - . -101 

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, * - 103 

College of Physicians, - . - . 104 

JMedical Society, - - - . . 105 

Afedical Association, - - . . . ib. 

College of Pharmacy, - - - - . ib. 

Fi'anklin Institute, . 106 

Phrenological Society, ----- 108 

Philadelphia Society for promoting Agriculture, 109 
jyiusical Fund, - - - - - HO 

Jjiterature, and the Press, - - - - 111 

Periodical Works, - - - - . 113 

JVewspapers, - - - - - . II 4 

Public Libraries, - - - - - 115 


PART IX. 

tSSTITTTTTONS FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUC¬ 


TION, &C.. 116 

University of Pennsylvania, - - - ib. 

La~o Academy, - - - - - - 120 

Protestant Episcopal Academy, - - - ib. 

Friends^ Schools, - - - - - 121 

Fellenberg School, ----- 122 

Lectures on Science and the Arts, - - ib. 

Public Schools, - - - - - 125 

Srniday Schools, - - - - - 129 

Philadelphia Charity School Society, - • 130 

Adel phi School, - - - • - 131 

Free School for JVegro Children, - - ib. 


PART X. 


COURTS OF JUDICATURE, AND INSTITUTIONS CONNECTED 

WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, - 133 

Courts held in Philadelphia, - - ib. 

Offices connected -with the Administration of Jus¬ 
tice, - - - - - 136 

/ Arch Street Prison, - - - 138 

Walnut Street Prison, - - - 139 

J^'ew Penitentiary, - - - 147' 













X 


COITTENTS. 


PART XI. 


Page 


ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES* GOVERNMENT 


IN PHILADELPHIA, - - - 


151 

Post Office, . . - 


ib. 

Establishment of the Mails, 


152 

JVavy-Yard, _ - . 


156 

Mint, - - - _ 


ib. 

Arsenals, . - _ 


157 

Loan Office, ... 


ib. 

PART XII. 



CANALS, NAVIGATION COMPANIES, TURNPIKE 

ROADS, AND 


BRIDGES, . . . - 

- 

158 

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, 

. 

ib. 

Union Canal, ... 

- 

159 

Schuylkill Navigation, 

- 

161 

Lehigh Navigation, 

- 

165 

Turnpike Roads, 

- 

166 

Bridges, - - 

- 

167 


PART XIII. 


^USCELLANEOUS ESTABLISHMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS, 169 


Watching and Lighting the City^ - ib. 

Finances of the City, Salaries of Officers, &c. 170 

Water-Works, _ . - . 172 

Provision against Destruction by Fire, - 184 

Engine and Hose Companies, - - 186 

Doard of Health, . . . 187 

JMilitary Force of Philadelphia, - - 188 

Markets, . _ . - 19 O 

PART XIV. 

THEATBES, AND OTHER PLACES OF AMUSEMENT, - 192 





CONTENTS. Xi 

PART XV. 

Pa^e 

FOREIGN CONSULS, - . - . I 95 

PART XVI. 

PRINCIPAL HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES—PUBLIC BATHS, 197 

Hotels^ - - - - ib. 

Boarding-Houses, - - - ib. 

Baths, ----- 199 

PART XVII. 

STANDS FOR HACKNEY COACHES, &C. - - 200 

PART XVIII. 

STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, AND PACKETS, - - 202 

PART XIX. 

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF STREETS, ROADS, LANES, StC. 20? 




OFFICERS OF THE CITY, 

1824. 

MayoTf Joseph Watsott, Esa- 

Recorder y Joseph Reed, Esa* 

TreasureVy John Bacon, Esa. 

Commissionersy Thomas T. Stiles, 
Nathan Athekton, 
Joseph Morris. 

City Clerky Robert H. Smith. 


hist of Aldermeriy with the date of their Commissions. 


Robert Wharton, 

John Inskeep, 
Andrew Pettit, 
Matthew Lawler, 

John Geyer, 

George Bartram, 
Joseph Hertzhog, 
Samuel Badger, 
James N. Barker, 
Peter Christian, 
Abraham Shoemaker, 
William Duane, 
Joseph Watson, 

John Binns, 

William Milnor, 


1796, October 11. 
1799, May 21. 
1801, October 22. 
do. do. 

1811, August 1. 

1813, April ZO. 

1814, February 11. 

1815, July 24. 

1817, April 2. 

1818, March 4. 
1818, April 8. 
1822, April 23. 

do. do. 

1822, December 2. 

1823, January 7. 



i 


X 















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i 


li 

i) 


E 


t 


! 

I 



■fold JZoufi’il 


Front 


Reference. 
l.lcaiirnn' of Fine Artf. _ 


n j; 


iAlM^OFlTME OBJEFTS OF ]N1’EKE^^T IT- Fffl3.x\l') ^ 


'J Aims /louse, . 

3 Beeks Shot tomr. 

1 Bush Rill tiV. ..—^ 

6 fenm S(}.Old IV/'WorksSC tountain. 
<i niildrens Asylum. 

71'ltrisis Clum-li. .. 

BCity Hospital. __ 

B Ilo.JAhniry. ... 
ll>Dispensary SB flealth (>ftice... 

H Fair Mount Water irorks. li 

12 First IW.ebyteruin tluarh.. 

IS Fifth Do. . Do. 

Id Franklm S(/nare . 

F> Birards Bank. . 

U> Lundreths Barden. . 

l7 Maadalen Asylum. 

Id Market Houses. 

l.'iMaSitnie Hall . 

2oMnvhants Coffee house.. 

21 Mint of the I’.S ... 

Museunt I'See State House. 
22Musu'ul Fund Soaetes Hall. 

23j7avy Yard . 

24.NhvJail. 

207VeH' Market. t: 

20 Mew ’Fheatre. 




T J 






/N 


^ z 


M.R. The lines eorrespond 


With most on the Map. 


- f 


j£~ 


vet 


m 


u- 


. yj - 




i 1 . 


lOa 


Refereuee. 

2T (Hvmpie Theatre. 

2d (hphausAsrtuin . 

29 Peniteutiary.. 

!Ui Penns" Bank. 

2>l Do. Hospital. . 

.’>2 Do. iu.s'titution Deaf M Bumh. 
33 Permanent Bridqe. 

3 tJ'hilad '/ Aeadem »' of Xii.Saeu. e. 
33> ])o. Tnstitution DeafU'Dinuh. 
'3B Bhilosophieal Hall A\lthen<euin . 
37 Po.ft Bffnv. 

3d Pratts Borden. 

39 S/>arks s Shot toirei: 

-to ,P. Andrews Chureh. 

!l Stndiens Do 

42 State Arsenal. 

43 State Hou.ee Me. 

4 t Tivoli Barden it' Theatre. 

■3.5 F. S.Ars'enal. 

4tl U. S. Bank. 

47 Vniver.rity ofJ'enns/ 

48 I’pper Penuauent lin'd ife . 
BtVau.x'hall Barden. 

.'iO Wa.ehinqton Hall. 

3l Do. .hjuare. 

52 ll’e.fls I’atnlinif. 

,’>3 iruloxvs A.fvlnni. 





























































































































































PHILADELPHIA IN 1824 


PART I. 

BRIEF SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF PHILADEL¬ 
PHIA. 

IT was the boast of some of the naluons of antiquity, that 
they owed their origin to, and were aided in their progi’ess 
by, the gods of their fabled Mythology. A more rational and 
certain satisfaction maybe derived by the people of Philadel¬ 
phia, from contemplating the character of the worthy and 
enlightened men by whom this city was settled. The plea¬ 
sure that is felt by the patriot and pliilantlii’opist in looking 
back upon the rise and growth of Philadelphia, is almost 
wholly without alloy. Stained with no blood, darkened by 
few of the excesses of faction, unpolluted by tyrants or bigots, 
its foundiitions laid deep in religion and morality, and public 
liberty and political wisdom, the history of this city may be 
cited as a strildng proof of the justness of the observation,* 
“ That there exists in the economy and course of nature an 
indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between 
duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an ho¬ 
nest and magnanimous policy, and the sohd rewards of public 
prosperity and felicity.’* 

The annals of Pliiladelphia, however, furnish little that will 
Interest the lovem of tlie romantic and marvellous. The 
reader who seeks in its history for battles and sieges, for great 
incidents or striking exploits, will be disappointed. In the 
rise and progress of an industrious, moral, peaceable, and suc¬ 
cessful people, there is nothing poetical. Prosperity in a 


A 


* Washington. 




BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


,2 

nation is almost synomnmous with barrenness of incident, and 
leaves little for the annalist to naiTate. 

At the beginning- of the year 1681, the tract of ground upon 
which Philadelpliia now stands was covered with forests; and 
wild men and savage beasts hud a pretty equal title to it. 
Tradition has preserved the anecdote, that in the year 1678, 
a ship called the Shields of Stockton, the first that had ever 
ventured to sail so high up the river, approached so close to 
the shore in tacking as to run her bowsprit among the trees 
which then lined the bank, and the passengers on board, who 
were bound for Burlington, remarked upon it as an advanta¬ 
geous site for a town. Little could they foresee the city 
that was to be erected upon that spot, or the contrast between 
its growth and that of the still humble village for wliich tiiey 
were destined. 

The love of religious libeity led to the foundation of Phi¬ 
ladelphia. William Penn had fixed his thoughts upon Ame¬ 
rica as a land of refuge and freedom, many years previous to 
his acquisition of Pennsylvania. It was not, however, until 
August 1682, that this venerable lawgiver, with his wortliy 
associates, took their final leave of England. They were ac¬ 
companied with favourable winds, and on the twenty-fourth 
of October the proprietary landed at Newcastle, amid the 
acclamations of the Dutch and Swedish settlers. From this 
place he proceeded to Upland, (now called Chester,) and 
shortly afterwards concluded that famous treaty with the na¬ 
tives, which they promised should endure “ as long as the 
trees shovdd grow, or the waters hold their course a pro¬ 
mise, which was faithfully kept during the whole period of 
the proprietary govenunent. 

One of the first objects of the emigi’ants was the selection 
of a suitable spot for the building of a town. Upon a survey 
of the banks of the river, they soon fixed upon the present 
site. Many circumstances combined to render it particularly 
eligible. Two rivers united their streams at no great distance ; 
the Delaware was of sufficient depth to float vessels of any 
known magnitude; the Schuylkill was navigable for vessels 
of the smaller classes, and was nearly as wide as tlie Thames 
at London; the spot was covered with valuable timber, and 
beneath its smface lay a stratum of brick-clay; the harbour 
furnished a bed of sand; immense quarries of building stone 
existed in the adjoining hills, and the vicinity yielded lime- 


HISTOTIT OF PIIILADFLrUlA. 


stone and marble. A prior title, however, to this tract of 
ground was claimed by the Swedes, and some difficulties oc- 
cuiring in the negotiation for its purchase, it is said, upon the 
authority of tradition, that the design was entertained of trans¬ 
ferring the contemplated city to an elevated spot twelve miles 
higher up the river.* Fortunately for the commercial pros¬ 
perity of Philadelphia, (already situated at an inconvenient 
distance from the ocean,) the design was abandoned, and the 
difficulties in the way of the purchase of Coaquannock\ were 
removed. 

The original design of the proprietary was on a scale of 
very inconvenient extent. He gave orders to liis commis¬ 
sioners to lay out a town in the proportion of two hundred 
acres for every ten thousand sold, in which the piu’chasers of 
five hundred acres were to have ten. The whole amount sold 
having been nearly four hundi’ed thousand acres, the city 
would have covered an area of eight thousand acres, or twelve 
and a half square miles. These vast dimensions, it was soon 
perceived, were incompatible with the chief advantages of a 
city in trade, society, and mutual protection, the latter being 
of primary importance in the existing state of tilings. A new 
plan was therefore framed, in which the city was to occupy 
an area of less than two square miles, or about twelve hundi-ed 
acres, extending two squares westward of the river Schuyl¬ 
kill. A few years afterwards the plot was again contracted, 
and by the charter of 1701, the city was dechired to be bound¬ 
ed by the two rivers Delawai’e and Schuylkill, and on the 
north and south by Vine and Cediir streets. 

Previously to the anival of the proprietor, some of the emi¬ 
grants, who had preceded him, provided for themselves tem¬ 
porary accommodations on the site of the city, in bai'k huts, 
which the natives tiuight them to erect, or in caves dug in the 
high bank that overhung the Delaware. In one of these rude 
caves was born the first native Philadelphian. The fii’st 

* A little above the place now called “ The Bake-House.” 

+ The ancient Indiaik name of the place w here Philadel[)hia stands. » 

i John Key, w ho reached the patriarchal aeeof eij^hty-five, and died at 
Kennet, in Chester county, in July 1767. He w^as horn in a cave, after¬ 
wards known hy the name of Penmjpot, on the bank near Race street. 
Proud relates of him, that w hen near eij'hty, he w alked from Kennet to 
the city, a distance of thirty miles, in one day. 

'I'he natives of these dweliinpfs of primitive simplicity, seem to have ap¬ 
proached the primitive lonj^evity; for Kdward Drinker, who was also 
norn in a cave, survived unttl the declaration of independoiice. 


4 


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


house erected in Philadelphia was a low wooden building-, on 
the east side of Front street, in what was called Budd’s Rom'^, 
a little to the north of the creek or inlet now occupied by 
Dock street, and which originally flowed as far to the noilh 
and west as Chesnut and Third sti-eets. The owner kept a 
tavern there, called “ The Blue Anchor,” for many years. 
One of the first brick buildings erected in Philadelphia, was 
a house which till veiy recently stood on the north side of 
Chesnut street, opposite Cai'pentei’s’ Court. In Letitia Court 
still sundves the venerable building which the proprietor 
occupied as his town residence, and which was erected within 
a few years after his amval. Upwai’ds of eighty houses, of dif¬ 
ferent sizes, were erected during the first year; and tlie found¬ 
ation being now laid, the proprietor addressed a letter of gene¬ 
ral information and description respecting the country, to the 
“Society of Free Traders,” the following passage of which, 
conveys his thoughts and wishes in regal’d to the infant city. 

“ Pliiladelphia, the expectation of those that are concerned 
in this province, is at last laid out, to tlie great content of 
those here that are any ways interested therein. The situa¬ 
tion is a neck of land, and heth between two navigable river’s, 
Delaware and Sculkil; whereby it hath two fronts upon the 
water each a mile; and two from river to river, Delaware is 
a glorious river; but the Sculkil, being an hundred miles boat- 
able above the falls, and its coui’se north-east, towards the 
fountain of Susquahanna, (that tends to the heai’t of the pro¬ 
vince, and both sides our own,) it is like to be a great part of 
tire settlement of this age. 1 say little of the town itself, be¬ 
cause a platform will be shewn you by my agent; in which 
those who are purchasers of me will find tlieir names and in¬ 
terests. But this I will say for the good providence of God, 
that of all the many places 1 have seen in the world, I remem¬ 
ber not one better seated; so that it seems to me to have been 
appointed for a town, whether we regard the rivers or the 
conveniency of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness and 
soundness of the land, and the air, held by the peojjle of these 
parts to be veiy good. It is advanced within less than a year 
to about four score houses and cottages, such as they are; 
where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations 
as fast as they can; while the countrymen are close at their 
farms: Some of them got a little winter coi’ii in the gi’ound 
last season, and the generality have had an handsome sumrner 


HISTORY OF FHILAUEtPHIA. 


5 


crop, and are preparing for their winter com. They reaped 
their barley this year in the month called May; the wheat in 
the month following; so that there is time in these paits for 
another crop of divers things before the winter season. We are 
daily in hopes of shipping to add to our number; for blessed 
be God, here is both room and accommodation for them : The 
stories of oui’ necessity being either the fear of our friends, or 
the scarecrows of our enemies: For the gi'eatest hardship 
we have suff ered hath been salt meat; which by fowl in win¬ 
ter, and fish in summer, together with some poultry, lamb, 
mutton, veal, and plenty of venison, the best part of the year 
hath been made very passable. I bless God, 1 am fully satis¬ 
fied with the country, and entertainment I got in it. For I 
find that particular content which have always attended me, 
where God in his providence hath made it my place and ser¬ 
vice to reside, &c.” 

J'rom this time the population, and the number of houses, 
began to mcrease w ith gi-eat rapidity. 

On the twelfth of January, 1683, the first general assembly 
of representatives convened at Philadelphia 5 and on the se¬ 
cond day of the succeeding March, tlie fii’st grand juiy forthe 
city was summoned. It is remarkable, that the first convic¬ 
tion, in a place of so much simphcity, was for counterfeiting 
tlie silver coin, an offence most generally the offspring of an 
advanced stage of society, and for the execution of wliich 
neither the materials nor the requisite privacy would seem 
likely to have been found.* Anotlier ti’ial w'as of one Mai’- 
garet Mattson, indicted for witchcraft. The juiy, with cha- 
Kicteristic simplicity, found her “guilty of having the common 
fame of being a ivitchy but not guilty in manner and form as 
she stands indicted.*’ The governor and his council presided 
as Judges on tliis occasion; and it w as not until the end of the 
succeeding yeai', that persons were appointed to act in the 
judicial capacity. 

Li 1693, an assessment was made, in pursuance of an act 
of Assembly, of the value of the estates, real and personal, of 
the ioliabitants of the province, for the purpose of raising a 


* The punishment to which the offender was condemned, is no less re- 
markabie. He was sentenced to pay a fine of foi'ty pounds towards the 
building of a court-house i In the country from wliich the judges had 
just come, he would have been hung. So much were their ideas already 
purified. 

A 3 


6 


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


tax, of one penny in the pound, for the support of the govern¬ 
ment. The proportion of this tax paid by the town and 
county of Philadelphia, was £314 11s. 11c?.; while that paid 
by the rest of the province, was only £446 4s. 3c?.; a proof 
to what little comparative extent population had advanced 
out of the city and its atmosphere ; while tlie valuation of that 
early period set upon the private estates in Philadelpliia, (up¬ 
wards of £75,000,) shows its rapid increase and prosperity. 
An event occurred, however, a few years afterwards, wliich 
gave a temporary check to population. In the summer of 
1699, the yellow fever appeared for the first time in Phila¬ 
delphia, and destroyed great numbers of the inhabitants. 
The same fatal disease re-appeared in 1760, in 1793, and in 
several of the succeeding years. 

In the year 1701, Philadelphia was incorporated by char¬ 
ter as a city. The provisions of tliis insti’umeut were singu¬ 
lar, and little suited to the genius and prevailing dispositions 
of the people, to whom it granted no shai’e in the business 
of government. The first mayor, recorder, aldennen, and 
common council, were nominated by the proprietary; but 
they received the power of filling up vacancies in their 
body, and even of increasing their own numbers at pleasure. 
The public grounds were granted to the corporation, by 
the name of tlie Mayor and Commonalty of Philadelphia; but 
the latter had no control whatever over those by whom the 
corporate affairs were managed. Tradition infonns us, that this 
remarkable charter was gi’anted upon the application of some' 
natives of the city of Bristol, in England, who were among 
the principal settlers; the charter of which city, with some 
small variations, was adopted by William Penn, with less than 
his usual wisdom and hberality of sentiment. The people were 
not slow in expressing their dissatisfaction with this scheme 
of government, and frequent complaints were made to the 
geneind assembly of abuses practised under it. However ob¬ 
jectionable the mode of appointment, the legislative powers 
of the coi-poration were extremely limited; they could not 
levy a shilling by taxes for any purpose whatever, and only 
the income of the city estates could be employed for the use 
and embelhshment of the city. The jealousy which the citi¬ 
zens enteifained of their civic rulers was felt by the General 
Assembly, and operated upon this body to such an extent, 
that when it became necessary to r£use money for tlie purpose 


UISTOIIY OF PHILADELPHIA. 


7 


of lighting’, watching, and jiaving the cit}-, the leglslatiu’e 
constituted a board of commissioners, the election of whom 
was vested in tlu^ people, who, together with the mayor and 
four of the aldeimien, were empowered to levy taxes for this 
object. This anomalous corporation fell with the government 
under which it was erected. On the revolution, the General 
Assembly passed an act, declaring “ That the powers and 
jurisdiction hitherto exercised by the mayor, recorder, and 
aldermen of the city of Plilladelphia, were not founded on 
the authority of the people, and are therefore null and void.” 
Wherefore, by that and several subsequent acts, the powers 
of the corporation were distributed between the supreme 
executive council, the city magistrates, and the wardens and 
street commissioners, who exercised them from the year 1777 
to 1789. The prejudices which the old charier excited were 
so strong, that it was with difficulty that the people could be 
brought to submit to a new incorporation of the city. The 
defects in the administration of justice, and in the management 
of the police, at length became so glaring, that in 1789 the 
legislature, at the solicitation of the citizens, passed an act 
of incorporation, which was amended, in some respects, in the 
succeeding year. By these acts it was provided, that the 
legislative powers of the city shoidd be vested in two bodies, 
who were, however, to sit and deliberate together. The 
first consisted of a board of aldemien, fifteen in number, who 
were chosen by the freeholders for a term of seven years, and 
who were authorized to elect from among the citizens at large 
a recorder, for a teiTn of seven yeare; and from their own 
number a mayor, for a term of one year. The common coun¬ 
cil consisted of thirty persons, chosen by the citizens gene¬ 
rally, for a term of three years. This form of government 
continued until the year 1796, when the present system was 
established, an account of whicli will be found in anotlier pail 
of this "work. 

Whatever may have been the defects in the constitution 
of the first city government, they do not appear to have im¬ 
peded the rapid but silent progress of its prosperity. The 
annals of Philadelphia during tlie first half of the eighteenth 
century, are not distinguished by remarkable events, and 
can excite only that interest which is felt on looking back 
upon a period of simple manners and domestic virtues, and 
of hone^rt and successful industry. When, however, tlie 

A3 


8 


BIIIEF SKETCH OF THE 


British government commenced their attempts to introduce 
an arbitrary dominion over the colonies, the inhabitants of 
Philadelphia proved that they felt the blessings of liberty as 
deeply, and were as fii-mly resolved to preserve them as any 
of their brethren. The stamp act met with a warai and de¬ 
cided opposition, and the self-denying measures of counter¬ 
action suggested in another colony, were readily adopted and 
steadily adhered to. When afterwards the attempt was made 
by the British ministry, to force the consumption of the East 
India Company’s tea upon the people of the provinces, the 
captains of tlie ships which anived at Philadelphia, apprized 
of the resolution of the people, and fearing the consequence 
of landing their cargo irr-vrolation of their declared senti¬ 
ments, returned directly to England, without making any en¬ 
try at the custom house. On the 18th of June, 1774, about 
8000 persons assembled in town meeting; and after adopting 
several spirited resolutions, declaring the rights of the colo¬ 
nies, and their determination to support them, they resolved 
that it was expedient to convene a Continental Congress; 
to appoint a committee for the city and county of Pliiladel- 
phia, to correspond with their sister colonies and the several 
counties of Pennsylvania; and to invest that committee with 
power to determine on the best mode for collecting the sense 
of the province, and appointing deputies to attend the Con- 
gi-ess. The day fixed by the Act of Parliament for closing 
the port of Boston was solemnized in Philadelphia, as a 
day of calamity and humiliation. The inhabitants shut up 
their houses, and manifested every where sentiments of grief 
and indignation. On the fifth of September, 1774, the mem* 
bers of the first congi-ess convened at Philadelphia, in the 
Carpenter’s Hall, where they chose Pejdon Randolph their 
president, and adopted that celebrated declaration of rights 
which may be considered the preface to the declaration of 
independence. Twenty-two months afterwards the eternal 
separation of the United States from England was decreed 
by that august and venerable body, and proclaimed to the 
people from the State House.* Congi’ess continued to sit at 
Philadelphia until the approach of the enemy at the close of 
the autumn of 1776, compelled them to retire to Baltimore. 


* This memorable Act was adopted in the eastern room of the St£\te 
House, on the ground iloor. 


HISTOllY OF rillLAnELPHIA. 


9 


Philadelphia fell into the possession of the British on the 
26th of September, 1777, and for the first time from its foun¬ 
dation, its inhabitants were subjected to the control of a fo- 
reig-n and invading enemy. The deportment of tlie British 
army during its occupation of Philadelphia, was such as has 
alv'ays been displayed by that people, wlien by accident or 
numbers they have obtained a triumph. Arrogant and con¬ 
temptuous in their manners, their steps were marked with 
rapine, violence, and bloodshed, and many ruined and deso¬ 
lated buildings in the vicinity of the city still remain monu¬ 
ments of their wanton cruelty. After about nine months’ oc¬ 
cupation of the city, the British made an inglorious retreat 
on the IStli of June, 1778, and it was immediately entered by 
a detachment of the American aimy. During the remainder 
of the war it happily escaped tlie ravages of hostile opera¬ 
tions. 

With the peace of 1783, the commerce of Philadelphia, 
which the superior naval force of the enemy had almost an¬ 
nihilated, began to revive, but it was not until the formation 
of the new constitution that it resumed its former activity. 
The occun’ence of the war in Europe arising from the French 
revolution, gave a wonderful impetus to sliipping and trade ; 
and population and wealth increased from that time in a ra¬ 
tio previously unknown in the annals of the city. Even the 
devastation of that frightful disease, the yellow fever, which 
re-appeared in 1793, 1794,1797 and 1798, scarcely operated 
as a check upon the general prosperity. The extraorchnary 
advancement of the city during this period, is evidenced 
by the fact, that in the period from 1790 to 1810, the 
number of new houses built considerably exceeded those 
erected in the whole century preceding. I’he number of 
inhabitants, the public wealth, and the products of labour 
and skill, increased in a still greater degree. When, how¬ 
ever, European hostility was directed towards the commerce 
of the United States, Philadel])hia suffered severely fi'om the 
change, and its foreign fi’^ide came afterwards to be sus¬ 
pended by the progress of the war, which the government 
was compelled by the outrages of the British to wage against 
them. 'J’he subsequent peace in Europe, too, by cutting 
off the canying trade, and lowering the price of American 
pn)ducts, o])erated severely on the mercantile interest, but 
tliesc circumstances threw a large amount of capital into ma- 


10 


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


nufactures, and that great fountain of national wealth, the 
home industry, has sprung up to supply the channels which 
commerce has deserted. Philadelphia, though inferior in 
shipping and external trade to some of her neighbouring ci¬ 
ties, is destined to increase, and multiply, and prosper trom 
her cultivation of that internal industry which depends not 
upon the good will of foreign nations for its continuance and 
support, but while it adds to the wealth of the community, 
renders it in fact as well as name independent. 


The inhabitants of Philadelpliia have sometimes been re¬ 
proached with a want of public spirit, and an indifference to 
the dignity and elevation of their city. Perhaps it might be 
more correct to say that they are as a body indifferent about 
notoriety and distinction. Display is certainly not the cha¬ 
racteristic of Philadelphia whatever it may be of other cities. 
It was said of the younger Cato, “ esse, quam videri, bonus 
malebat,” and the observation may not be inapplicable here, 
although we may be disposed to think that this reserve and 
indifference is pushed to an extreme, and that some advan¬ 
tage would be gained for the city itself, as well as for man¬ 
kind, if it were more generally known how much has been 
done in Philadelphia for the advancement of science and the 
arts, for the diminution of the miseries and the augmentation 
of the comforts of human life, and for the generd improve¬ 
ment and advancement of the moral character. Reputation 
may be said to be in some measure the food of public spirit, 
and the fame of one good or gi’eat action is often the parent 
of another. In the quaint but striking language of Shakspeare, 

“ One good deed dying tongueless 
“ Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that. 

“ Our praises are our wages.” 

That there is no want of public spiritedness In Philadel¬ 
phia, the following pages will abundantly prove. The mere 
enumeration of the public institutions of this city, established 
and sup]:)Orted for the diffusion of education, the relief of dis¬ 
tress, the improvement of the human condition, the advance¬ 
ment of philosophy and literature, and similar pm’poses, will 
probably surprise even most of those in whose vicinity philan¬ 
thropy has been so actively at work. In this labour of useful¬ 
ness, it is right to say, that the membei's of the society of 



HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA. 


11 


“ Friends” have had their full share. A lai’ge proportion of the 
charities and comforts of Philadelphia, has been derived from 
the unwearied philanthropy of this excellent sect, who have 
impaited something* of their own love of solid usefulness, and 
their unostentatious benevolence, to the general character of 
the city. It is a subject of frequent reproach against the 
‘ Friends’ that they are averse, or at least indifferent to the cul¬ 
tivation of human learning. How unfounded the aspersion is, 
at least as respects^the Quakers of Philadelpliia, will be seen 
in the account of their litei’ary establisliments in the following 
pages. Probably at least one half even of the best informed 
inhabitants of Philadelphia, are ignorant that there are not less 
than fifteen public schools established by tliis society in differ¬ 
ent pails of the city—that in the principal institution are taught 
the Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages, the mathematical 
sciences and natural pliilosophy, that public lectures are de¬ 
livered in it on botany, mineralogy, &c. that it possesses an 
observatory, containing the most valuable astronomical instru¬ 
ments, a cabinet of minerals, and an extensive library of rare 
and-useful books. It will equally surprise many Philadel- 
pliians, to learn that a public libraiy founded by the Friends, 
has existed for many years in the centi-al part of the city, 
containing several diousand volumes, and open without any 
charge once a week to all respectable applicants. These in¬ 
stitutions, and the silence and modesty with which their 
operations are conducted, ai-e characteristic of Philadelphia. 

In a subsequent page will be found some curious and 
impoi-tant facts relative to the sums of money expended on 
public works and improvements, which wiU serve to remove 
the impression that has existed witli respect to the energy 
and liberality of Pluladelpliia. 



12 


BHIEF SKETCH 01 THE 


[The following" picture of the primitive settlement of Phi¬ 
ladelphia, cannot fail to be interesting" to many. It is ex¬ 
tracted from a veiy curious and entertaining" MS. work, en¬ 
titled “ Illusti’ations of the Antiquities of Philadelphia, by 
J. F. Watson.” The author has with great industry, collect¬ 
ed a mass of facts relating to the ante-revolutionai’y history of 
Philadelphia, which were rapidly passing into oblivion, and 
preserved many valuable memorials of distinguished men. It 
is not his present intention to publish it, but it is understood to 
be destined, when completed, as a present to the City Library. 
We are desired to add, that those who are acquainted with 
any interesting facts or valuable unpublished documents re¬ 
lative to the subject, will gratify the author of “ The Illustra¬ 
tions,” by communicating them to him.] 


THE PRIMITIVE SETTLEMENT. 

-I trace tlie tale 

“ To the dim point where records fail.” 

It is grateful to a contemplative and feeling mind, to revive 
and to re-create the picture of the incidents which must have 
deeply engaged the first settlers of Philadelphia. What a 
bustling, spirited, and emulous scene it must have been! We 
are to transport the mind back to the primitive site of Coa- 
CLUANOCK—there to see the busy landing from the anchored 
ships, of men, women and children, upon the then gravelly 
strand at the foot of the high precipitous banks; the hurrying 
backwards and forwai-ds of busy lighters, discharging from the 
ships in the stream, the furniture, implements, and provisions 
for the future settlers; then the cfiTorts of men, women and 
children, scrambling to attain the summit of the then higher 
river banks—we are to imagine those banks, then 

-all shagg’d with wood, 

“ Where twisted roots, in many a fold 
“ Through moss, disputed room for hold.” 

Such a woody bank as now lines the river side up by Dunks’s 
feiTy, is a fair specimen of what Philadelphia once was. This 
accomplished, the families part, separating to then* selected 
bhades under the then towering grove of lofty spruce pines. 




HI9T0RT OF PHILADELPHIA. 


13 


reaching their umbrageous, giant arms abroad. We may 
fancy the mingled emotions of such families: most of them, 
accustomed to the comforts of easy living in their native 
homes, feel the exhilarating effect of inhaling the pure air, 
after a confined and wearisome voyage, and the nausea of 
sea-sickness? glad, once more, to feel their firm tread on 
terra firma. On the other hand, to behold themselves de¬ 
void of all the usual comforts and conveniences of civiliza¬ 
tion, in a total wilderness, without a house or shelter, was a 
depressing circumstance. But, in the ti’ue spirit of campaign¬ 
ers or pioneers, and prompted by future hopes of cheert'ul- 
ness and prosperity, all hands fall to cheerfully, to give a 
willing aid. No time is to be lost: and well may we imagine, 
that some leading member of the Christian community, after 
piously returning thanks to the Almighty for their safe land¬ 
ing, and asking his blessing on their future efforts, begins 
himself the good example of the toil before them, like Chris¬ 
tian David, the first Moravian settler at Hernhuth, by striking 
his axe into the Jirst tree, and exclaiming, “ Here hath the 
sparrow found an house, and the swallow a nest for lumself, 
—near thine altars, O Lord God of hosts.” Here, in the 

sweet quiet of these parts, freed from the hurries and per¬ 
plexities of woful Europe,”* they cotdd not but remember, 
they were quite removed from persecutioriy “ not like their 
fathers, vexed from age to age, by blatant Bigotry’s insensate 
rage.” 

Off go the men and the boy.s, to choose their ground for a 
temporary hut or cabin, called a cave. While some dig into 
the earth about three feet, near the margin of the river bank, 
others apply the axe to clear the underwood, or to fell trees, 
whose limbs and foliage may supply sides and roofs to their 
humble dwellings. In other cases, some dig sods, and of 
them form the sides of their huts. To these, chimneys of 
grass or kneaded clay are set up, and the house is finished/ 
Meanwhile, the women have lighted their fire on the earth, 
and having ** their kettle slung between two poles, upon a 
stick transverse,” the meal of homely and frugal fare is pre¬ 
pared for the reward of the builders ? all huddle about, and 
partake with good cheer. Then all bear off' their furniture 
and goods to the cabin, and feel themselves settled for a sea- 


* Penn. 


14 


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


son ! Thus these fi-ail hovels are soon raised, families settle 
close to each other, and 

“ Soon, Jiomes of humble form and structure rude, 

“ Raise sweet society in solitude.” 

Thus freed from a first and most anxious concern,—a shel¬ 
ter from the weather and the storm,—and feeling* that they 
have acquired a temporary home, the whole community of men 
turn their minds to their pemianent settlement. Then, soon 
the busy, bustling* scene beg*ins. No sooner has the survey¬ 
or, with much labour, by falling* trees and drawing* off the 
brushwood, made an imperfect way throug*h which to draw 
his “ lengthening* chain,” than he forms the City plot. Then 
off goes every man to prepare his ground for a future perma¬ 
nent building. Soon the echoing wood resounds with the 
labouring axe, and the crash of falling trees. The wondering 
population of the forest are amazed and affrighted at the 
first break of their long, long silence ; and starting here, and 
flying there,—beasts and bhds, excellent for diet, and a luxu¬ 
ry to Europeans, hving under the prohibition of the game 
laws, are killed in, great numbers, even while the main 
design was to clear away the deep embarrassments of the 
soil. Even the reptiles, deadly and venomous, here first 
feel the assault of the primeval curse, and “ the serpenfs head 
is crushed.” But, altho\igh the astonished tenants of the fo¬ 
rest thus feel and fear the busy stir of man through the day, 
and find in him an enemy of whom they had not dreamt,— 
we may suppose, they w’ere not immediately to be driven 
from their favourite haunts; and long and frequent would 
they linger round their wonted securities, in the darkness 
and silence of night. Therefore, amidst the primitive popu¬ 
lation, it was not uncommon still to hear 

“ The fox’s bark, or wolf’s lugubrious howl.” 

When buildings had thus generally been started, and the 
“clearings” and the “burnings” of the brushwood and “un¬ 
dergrowth,” had begun to mark in rude lines the originals of 
the present paved and stately streets, we may well imagine 
the cheerful greetings which passed among the settlers as 
they met, or sun^eyed each otlier’s progress. And often 
they must have reciprocally lent each other aid in “ raisings” 
and other heavy operations, requiring many hands. Then, 


HISTORY OF PHILADELTHIA. 


15 


tlow busy the hrickmakers! What perpetual burnings of 
I . king* kilns ! What perpetual arrivals and departures 

' ■ ;raft from the Jersey shores (previously settled) of 

. m their saw-mills, ere the Pennsylvania ones began, 

t .y suppose there were many inequalities in the sur- 
■ , which we do not now perceive—some hills to re- 

tui. d several low or wet and miry places, to drain off 
' i : / In many places, the most delightful rural beau- 

ti^ ‘ ■ ed by trees and shrubberies, were all devoted to the 

3 i o burning ! Even stately oaks of sublime grandeur 
wt r. ;',c‘ spared, ffom the prevalent opinion, then, that their 
I - i .iage might create fevers. So general was the havoc, 

. lO' e remained, of all the crowded forest, but a cluster 
>' valnut trees, which, till of late years,* stood opposite 

«.vy -1 ate House on Chesnut street, and guided the sti-anger 
to that once venerable edifice. 

In that day, the chief of the fii'st houses built lay south of 
High street, and on the northern bank of Dock creek (then 
called “ the Swamp, because of the creek which flowed 
through it, having at the lower end of it a low and miry mar- 
g*in)—and the creek itself was supplied by several springs, 
wliich flowed into it. At the mouth of this creek was a ferry, 
from the Blue Anchortavern, (the first built house, and atwliich 
William Penn landed in a boat from Chester) leading over to 
the opposite high “ Society Hill,” befoix; the Front street 
“ Causeway’* was formed. Their first bridge, and their then 
first means of a cart road leading to the west, was a wooden 
structure laid across the water (where the tide ebbed and 
flowed) at Hudson’s alley and Chesnut sti’eet.f This creek 
then traversed Fourth and High streets; and on the northern 
side of High street, formed a great pond, filled with spatter¬ 
dashes, and sun-ounded with natural shrubber}', forming a 
great asylum for wild ducks and geese, where they were often 
shot; and on occasion, even fish, coming up with the tide, were 
caught by anglers there. Another gi’eat duck pond lay in the 
rear of Christ Church and the first Baptist Meeting. I'here, as 
well-founded tradition relates, an Indian feast was held; and 


• The last of these was cut down at the front of Mr. Ridgway’s office, in 
1818. I have j>restTved some of the wood. 

t 'Die writer has now an oaken Urn, made from a piece of the abutment 
wharf, wliieli lay there, si.\ feet under the present surface, 140 yeai-s ! 



16 


BRIEF SKETCH OF THE 


the Indians, to amuse William Penn and show their agility in 
mnning and leaping, performed a race round the entire pond. 
Diverging from Dock creek, at Girard’s Bank, ran a water 
course, through what was afterwards called “Beak’s Hollow,” 
(near Sixth and Walnut streets,) through Potter’s Field to 
the site of the present Dr. Wilson’s church, where it teniii- 
nated in another wild duck pond. 

As buildings and comforts progressed, soon, they turned 
their attention to public edifices. The Friends’ Meeting, 
built at tlie Centre Square, lay far beyond the verge of po¬ 
pulation ; and often, when the early settlers were following 
the cart path from the town, they saw it traversed before 
them by deer and by wild turkies! Their first prison was 
the hired house of Pati’ick Robinson; and the first, that the 
city held, in fee simple, was situated on the site of the present 
.Jersey market, opposite to Penn’s low two-storey house in 
La:titia Court, before wliich stood “ his gate’* to the surround¬ 
ing enclosure, and before which t\\Q proclamations of the day 
were made. On the very site of Jersey market, was once 
“ a gi’assy swarth, close cropt by nibbling sheep,” retained 
tliere till they were slain, and sold oflT from the moveable 
shambles. Edward Shippen, the first city mayor, sm’passed 
his contemporaries in the style and grandeui' of his edifice 
and appurtenances ; for, crossing the water, he located him¬ 
self'in that venerable building, since called the “ Governor’s 
house,” (now superseded by Wain’s row, in South Second 
sti’eet,*) “on the hill,” near the town,” where he had “a 
great and famous orchard,” and where he also had tame deer. 
In that day, “ the hill” beautifully descended in a green bank 
in front of his house to the Dock creek, and no intervening 
object prevented the prospect to the Jerseys and the river ! 
Cotemporary with these, rose the first Christ’s Church, under 
the Rev. Mr. Cla}i;on—a wooden building, of such declining 
eaves, that a bystander could touch them. Preeminent in the 
grandeur of that day, and often visited as a curiosity then, 
was the present antiquated Swedes’ Church, and steeple, built 
in 1700, to replace the foimer log church, in which were 
bop-twles for fire-arms, as in a block-house, for which it was 
to have served in case of emergency. Then was also built 
the “ State-House,” grand in its day, at the corner of Second 


* Nos. 136, 138, and 140, between Dock and Spruce streets. 


HISTOUT of PIIHADEIPHIA, 


ir 

street and Noiris’s alley, and occupied, in 1700, by William 
Penn; about which time, captain Finny became the purchaser 
of Samuel Carpenter’s Coffee House, situate in the neighbour¬ 
hood of Front and Walnut streets. Near these, too, were built 
the first cram, and the first wharves for vessels. The first 
and only landing places were the “low and sandy beach,’* 
still open on the north side of the Drawbridge; another, at 
the “Penny Pot-house,” on the north side of Vine sti’eetjj 
and the third was a gi*eat breach through the high lull at. 
Arch street, over which an arched bridge extended, letting 
C4irts and people descend to “the landing,” under its ai'ch. 

We must conceive, that in the earliest days, the Indians 
were more or less constantly present as idle spectators of the 
progress of improvement, or selling their venison and g'ame 
of the woods to the inhabitants. New England barques, too, 
were early allured to bring them supplies of provisions. The 
Swedes and Dutch, their neighbours, were bringing their 
provisions for sale ; as were some of the Friends, settled be¬ 
fore, in and about Burlington. Horse mills were resorted to 
for grinding corn; and floating mills on the Delaware, and a 
great mill for its day, called then “the Governoi’’s Mill,” at 
the present location of Craig-’s factory, were also used. Great 
was then the chfficulty of going to it, having to ti’averse the 
morass at Cohoquinoque, or Pegu’s Run, on the northern bank 
of which Indians were still hutted; and then to wade through 
the Cohocsinc creek beyond it! Wliat a toil! * Wheel car¬ 
riages were out of the question, in sucli an expedition; and 
boats or canoes either ascended the Cohocsinc, then a navi¬ 
gable sti-eam, or horses bore the grain on their backs. 

How rude and rural every thing around them ! What a 
rus in urbe! How homespun and plain in their apparel— 
how hospitable and frugal in their diet—how universally ac¬ 
quainted and familiar—how devoid of all rank and ostenta¬ 
tion ! What freedom and frankness of interchange of com¬ 
modities—what mutual help, and reciprocity of bon’owing 
and lending—what commutation of labour and services for 
corn and necessaries of life—what certain enrichment to pm- 
dcnt mechanics, where their labour was in constant requisi¬ 
tion ! How plain and rude, then, in their household furni¬ 
ture—how free to use calls or horses then, for occasions 

* Mrs. Smith and her horse were both drowned, in attempting to cross it. 

B 


IS BRIEF SKETCH, &C. 

which now tlieir descendants must accomplish in gilded 
equipages! 

“ While we retrace, with memory's pointing wand, 

“ That calls the past to our exact review,”— 

we may easdy conceive, that the young people of both sexes 
often formed exploring parties—wishing to see the scenes 
which environed them, they plunged into the deep woods 
beyond the Dock creek, and, making a great circuit, have 
seen the then wild Schuylkill, shadowed by lofty sycamores 
and oaks, and the mterxnediate woods crowded with grape 
vines and whoilleberiy bushes. Being protected from surprise 
by their needful guns, they have started and shot the rabbit, 
the racoon,—periiaps the fox, and the heavy wild turkey. 
Perhaps they have met with a colony of friendly Indians; 
and, bent on novelty and sport, they have bargained for the 
loan of canoes laying upon the shores—have huddled into the 
slender vessels—and thus made a voyage up or down the 
Manaiunky which none had ever seen before ;—endangered 
all the way by the constant leapings of the heedless sturgeon.* 
Even the boys of that day had their rural pursuits quite 
close to their own doors. There they could set snares and 
gins for game; and there they were sure of trapping rabbits, 
quails, &.C. What an expedition it must have been for the 
ui’chins of that day, to get over the great Dock creek, and 
to lose themselves in the opposite woods, whilst starting and 
pursuing the wild game—chasing the wild turkeys, which 
disdained to fly while their legs could, serve their escape:—or 
loading themselves witli shellbarks, chesnuts, or walnuts—or 
eating of whortleberries or blackberries, as tlie season of the 
fruit might serve. 

“ But times are altered—Trac/e has cliang’d the scene.”— 

-;-“ w here scatter’d hamlets rose, 

“ Unwieldy w ealth and cumbrous pomp repose,”— 

“ And rural mirth mid 7nanners are no more." 

* These then w ere so numerous, that many could be seen in the air at 
once, and often they fell into, and overset the canoes I 



( 19 ) 


PART ir. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF PHILADELPHIA. 

By the charter of William Penn, the city of Philadelphia 
was intended to be bounded on the north by Vine street, 
and on the south by Cedar, or, as it is now called. South 
street. Population, however, pushed itself beyond these 
bounds, and that part of it beyond the charter limits is nearly 
equal to that within them. For municipal purposes, the 
I^.eg’islature has from time to time established corporate g’o- 
vernments in different parts of the subiu’bs, so that Philadel¬ 
phia is divided into the followin,^ districts—-the corporations 
of the city of Philadelphia, of the Northern Liberties, Ken¬ 
sington, Spring Garden, Southwark, and Moyamensing. Pas- 
syunk, Blockley, &c. are still governed as townships. 

The first charter of the city was granted on the twenty-fifth 
of October, 1701, by William Penn. The provisions of this 
instrument were such, that, as has already been observed, it 
found no favour with the people, and the jealousy which it 
excited led to a general distrust of the municipal officers, and 
operated with the legislature to prevent the ^ant of powers 
often necessary to the corporation. One of the first mea¬ 
sures adopted by the legislature af'ter the declaration of inde¬ 
pendence, was the annulling of this fonn of government. In 
1789, an act of incw-poration was passed, which continued in 
force until 1796, when the existing frame of government was 
established. 

City of Philadelphia. 

The municipal government of tlie city is vested in a mayor, 
a recorder, fifteen aldermen, and a select and common coun¬ 
cil, besides subordinate executive officers. The recorder and 
alclennen are appointed by the governor, and hold their 
offices, like other judicial incumbents, during good behaviour.- 
I'he mayor is annually chosen by the councils from among 
the aldemien ; he appoints the city commissioners, the high 
constables, corders of wood, &c., and receives an annual com¬ 
pensation of two thousand dollars. The membei*s of tlie 
select and conimon councils are chosen by the people, on 
the day of the general election: the former serve tliree years. 



^0 


MUNICIPAL GOVeRNJIENT. 


and vacate their seats in rotation; the latter are annually 
elected. They receive no compensation, sit in separate cham¬ 
bers, and each body has a negative on the legislative acts of 
the other. The mayor, recorder, and aldei-men, or any four 
of them, whereof the mayor or recorder must be one, consti¬ 
tute “the Mayor’s Court,” which has the same jurisdiction 
of offences committed in the city, as the courts of Quarter 
Sessions in their respective counties. The aldeiTnen have 
respectively the powers, and perfonn the dxities of justices 
of the peace, as to all mattei-s arising within the city. 

Northern Liberties. 

The district of the Northern Liberties was incorporated on 
the twenty-eighth of March, 1803, and consists of that part of 
the original township of the Northern Liberties which lies 
between the w'est side of Sixth street and the river Delaware, 
and between Vine street and the Cohocksink creek. The 
act of incorporation was amended by another act, passed on 
the sixteenth of March, 1819. The govemment of the dis¬ 
trict is, by these acts, vested in a board of commissioners, 
twenty-one in number, who are elected for a term of three 
years, and vacate their offices in rotation, seven new membera 
being chosen on the day of the general election annually. 
The municipal officers of this corporation are appointed by 
the commissioners, but no commissioner can be appointed to 
any office to which a compensation is attached. 

Spring Garden. 

Adjoining the district of the Northern Liberties, to the 
west, is the incorporated district of Spring Garden, which 
consists of that part of Penn Township lying between Vine 
street and the middle of Hickory lane, and between the middle 
of Sixth and the middle of Broad street. The act of incor¬ 
poration was passed on the twenty-second of March, 1813. 
The powers of the corporation are vested in, and conducted 
by a board of commissioners, twelve in number, who are 
elected for a term of three years, and vacate their offices in 
rotation, and have similar powers to those of the commission¬ 
ers ol' the Northern Liberties. 


MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 


21 


Kensington. 

Kensington, which lies east of the district of the Northern 
Liberties, and between that and the river Delaware, was in¬ 
corporated on the sixth March, 1820. Its municipal officers 
are a boai’d of commissioners, fifteen in number, who serve 
for three years, five new members being elected every year. 
Their powers and duties are similar to those of other corpo¬ 
rations. 

Southwark. 

The district of Southwark was incoi’pomted on the eigh¬ 
teenth of April, 1794, and is also governed by fifteen com¬ 
missioners, who serve for three years, five being elected an¬ 
nually, and whose powers are similar to those of tlie preceding 
corporations. 

Moyamensing. 

Moyamensing was incorporated on the twenty-fourth of 
March, 1812, and is governed by nine commissioners, elected 
for three years, vacating their offices by rotation, and in other 
respects similar to tliose already noticed. 


For the convenience of elections, assessment of taxes, &c., 
the city and the Northern Liberties are divided into wards, 
of which a plan is subjoined. For each ward there ai-e annu¬ 
ally elected a constable, an assessor of taxes, and an inspector 
of the general election. 

Representation. 

The city of Philadelphia sends six representatives to the 
state legislature. The adjoining districts, united with the 
remainder of the county, send seven representatives. For 
the puipose of choosing members of congress, the city and 
county have been divided into three distiicts, of which the 
city, with the exception of Cedar and New-Market wards, 
forms one; these wards, together with Southwaik, Moya¬ 
mensing, Passyunk, Blockley, and Kingsessing, form another; 
and the remaining portions of the county constitute the tliird 
distj’ict. Each disUict sends one member to congress. 

B 2 



C 22 ) 


PART III. 

TOPOGRAPHY, SOIL, CLIMATE, HEALTH, POPU- 
LATION, &c. 

The city of Philadelphia, strictly speaking, consists of that 
portion only of the town which is bounded by the Delaware 
on the east, by Cedar street on the south, by the Schuylkill 
on the west, and by Vine street on the north ; but in its 
more general and popular acceptation, includes the large and 
increasing districts of Southwai’k, the Northern Liberties, 
Kensington, &c. which are not otherwise distinguished from 
the city than in municipal government. In the following 
pages, the city will be considered as comprising tlie built 
parts of the adjoining districts, unless the distinction is other¬ 
wise made. 

Philadelphia lies in latitude 39° 57' north, and longitude 
75° 8' 45" west from Greenwich, and is about 120 miles dis¬ 
tant from the Atlantic ocean by the course of the Delaware, 
and about 55 miles from it in a direct line to the south-east. 
At the beginning of the settlement, it was expected that the 
fronts on both rivers, between Vine and Cedar streets, would 
be first built upon, and that the buildings would extend gra¬ 
dually in the rear of each ; but experience soon convinced 
the settlers that the Schuylkill was not adapted to the pur¬ 
poses of commerce; whence it followed, tliat the town in¬ 
creased northward and southward of the original plot on the 
Delaware front, and now occupies a space nearly four miles 
in extent on that river, while the buildings westwai’d have not 
(except in Market street) extended much beyond a mile. 
Philadelphia, within its original limits, consists of nine streets 
lainning east and west from Delaware to Schuylkill, and 
twenty-five crossing them nearly at right angles. Market 
street, which is nearly in the centre, is 100 feet broad, and 
Arch street 66 feet: the rest of the east and west streets are 
50 feet each. Broad street, wliich was originally intended to 
be in the centre of the streets running north and south, is 113 
feet broad; the other streets running in that direction are 
each 50 feet, except Front street, which is 60 feet broad. 
Besides these original streets, there have, since the city 


SOIL, CLIMATB. 


23 


laid out, been opened a gpreat number of others, of different 
breadth and extent. Of all these streets, Dock street is the 
only one not crossed at right angles by any other street. At 
the first settlement of the city, the space occupied by this 
street was a creek, the water of which flowed as high as the 
corner of Chesnut and Fourth streets. William Penn gi’anted 
it to the city, “ with liberty to dig docks and make haibours 
for ships and vessels thereinbut tlie accumulation of mud 
and foreign substances in it, which the curi’ent was unable to 
cany off’, soon rendered it offensive, and it was at an early 
period arched over from Third to Walnut street. In 1784, an 
Act of Assembly was passed, in pursuance of which the arch 
was continued to Spruce street, and a handsome street, nearly 
100 feet broad, was thus acquired. AVater street is also a 
deviation from the original plan, which contemplated a tho¬ 
roughfare on its site, but provided that tlie stores to be built 
on the bank should not exceed four feet in height. A regard 
for their present interest, however, made the proprietors of 
front lots urgent for an alteration in the plan, to which the 
proprietary at length consented; and the consequence has 
been, the formation of a dai'k, narrow, and dirty street, of¬ 
fensive to tJiste and pregnant with disease. The whole num¬ 
ber of streets and alleys, of all sizes, in the city and districts, 
is upwards of five hundred and fifty. 

From the marine deposits which have been at different 
times discovered several feet below the .surface, and from 
other indications, it appears probable that the site of Phila¬ 
delphia was once covered by the ocean. A few years since, 
hickory nuts were found more than thirty feet below the sur¬ 
face, by persons engaged in digging a well; and the tmnk of 
a buttonwood tree was discovered, near the corner of Arch 
and Seventh streets, imbedded in a black mud, and suiTound- 
ed by acorns and leaves. The immediate substi’atum of the 
soil of Philadelphia, was clay, mixed with more or less sand 
and gravel. 

"I'he climate of Philadelphia, like that of other parts of the 
state, appears to have undergone a considerable change of 
late yeai’s, at least so far as respects the intensity and duration 
of the cold weather. During the last centuiy, the winters 
w ere more uniformly cold, and the rivers were more com¬ 
pletely and for a longer time obstructed, than at present. It 
is recorded, that in 1704, snow fell tliree feet deep; that in 


21 


CLIMATE, HEALTH. 


the winter of 1779-80, the Delaware continued frozen for 
three months; and that in 1764, 1791, and 1797, that river 
was completely frozen in one night, so as to be passable the 
next day. Such instances of extreme severity of cold have 
not happened within the present century. A greater degi'ee 
and diu'ation of heat, too, appears to prevail now in the sum¬ 
mer season than formerly, though the change is not so strik¬ 
ing nor so well attested as that of the winters. The number 
of rainy days apjjears to be diminisliing, and longer droughts 
occur in the summer season. 

The degi*ee of health enjoyed by the citizens of Philadel¬ 
phia is evidenced with considerable certainty by the bills of 
mortality, which are derived from authentic sources, and pub¬ 
lished by the Board of Health. These, although they do not 
reach back beyond the present centiu’y, enable us, by com¬ 
parison with those of other cities, to determine that the cli¬ 
mate is at least as favourable to health and longevity as that 
of any other city in the United States. The following Table 
exhibits the number of deaths in each of tlie five principal 
cities, during the last seven years :— 



Pliilada. 

New York. 

Baltimore. 

Boston. 

Cliarleston. 

1817 

2217 

2527 

1323 

907 

1249 

1818 

2765 

3265 

1812 

971 

995 

1819 

3124 

3176 

2287 

789 

1092 

1820 

3374 

3515 

1625 

1103 

827 

1821 

3172* 

3542 

2015 

1420 


1822 

3591 

3231 

2319 

1203 

925 

1823 

4600 

3444 

2108 

1154 

814 

Average of 
7 years 

3263 

3242 

1927 

1 1078 



The year 1823 was one of uncommon mortality in Phila¬ 
delphia, in consequence of the prevalence of the natural 
small pox, and a typhus fever among the blacks and lower 
classes of the whites. The average of the six years, from 
1817 to 1822, is for Pliiladelphia 3040, for New-York 3203. 

The proportion of persons who reach an advanced age in 
Philadelphia, appears from these authentic documents to be 
unusually great. The following table ejdiibits the proper- 











HEALTH. 


25 


tionate number of deaths of persons above seventy years, as 
compai’ed with the total deaths for the last seven years in the 
five principal cities. 



Phil.'id. 

New York. 

Baltimore. 

Boston. 

Charleston. 

1817 

ltol4 

Ito 15 

Ito 20 

Ito 13 

Ito 21 

1818 

Ito 14 

Ito 18 

Ito 23 

Ito 13 

Ito 19 

1819 

1 to 18 

Ito 21 

Ito 31 

Ito 16 

Ito 18 

1820 

1 to 18 

Ito 21 

Ito 17 

Ito 16 

Ito 15 

1821 

Ito 17 

Ito 23 

Ito 19 

Ito 19 


1822 

Ito 16 

Ito 20 

Ito 20 

1 to 19 

Ito 14 

1823 

Ito 19 

Ito 19 

Ito 24 

Ito 17 

Ito 13 

Average 

Ito 164 

Ito 19 4 

T 

Ito 22 

Ito 161 

7 

1 to 164 


The following interesting paper gives a view of the mor¬ 
tality of Philadelphia in 1823, and contains some valuable ob¬ 
servations on tlie number of deaths comparatively with other 
cities. 

Observations on the Mortality of Philadelphia fmr 1823. By 
G. Emerson, M.D. 

From the 15th number of the Philadelphia Journal of the 
Medical and Physical Sciences. 

The unusual disparity which appeal's between tlie number 
of deaths for the last year in the cities of New-York and Phi¬ 
ladelphia, induced me to examine with attention the reports 
of interments, in order to investigate tlie cause. The whole 
number of deaths reported, amounts to three thousand four 
hundred and forty-four in New-York, and four thousand six 
hundred in Philadelphia. The total for Boston, during the 
same period, is stated at one thousand one hundi-ed and fifty- 
four ; so that tlie interments in Pliiladelphia for tlie last year, 
rather exceed those of New-York and Boston added toge¬ 
ther. 

The following table exliibits a comparative view of those 
diseases which have proved most fafid in the two principiil 
cities, and will be found to shed considerable light upon tlic 
subject. 














HEALTH. 





Ncw- 

Phila- 

New- 

Phila. 


York 

delpliia 

York 

deljUiia 

Fevers, viz. 



Tot. 

Tot. 

Typhus, . . .i 

89 

243^ 



Illlious and Remittent, . 

80 

253 



Intermittent, .... 

14 

' 60 



Simple, .... 


165 



Inflammatory, 

Hectic, .... 

2 

3 

^192 

. 753 

Scarlet, .... 

2 

11 



Puerperal, .... 

3 

23 



Malignant, .... 

1 




Yellow, .... 

1 




Injiammatims, viz. 





I^ungs or Chest, 

181 

142*^ 



Bowels, Stomach, and Peritoneum, 

, 88 

104 



I^iver, .... 

31 

37 

^350 

333 

Brain, .... 

47 

46 



Bladder, Kidney, and Uterus, 

3 




Dropsy, .... 

141 

8r 



of the Head, 

144 

147] 

^291 

275 

Breast, . 

33 

47 _ 

j i 


^owel Affections, viz. 





Cholera, . . 

177 

265' 



Diarrhoea, . ' . 

64 

110 < 

p39 

562 

Dysenteiy, .... 

98 

187* 



Consumption, 



683 

536 

Croup or Hives, 



94 

67 

Convulsions, . 



202 

214 

Measles, 



117 

156 

Tabes Mesenterica, 



93 

44 

Hooping Cough, . < . 



31 

74 

Small Pox, 



18 

160 


I'hose who examine this statement, will be forcibly struck 
with the surpnsing dilference presented under the head of 
fevers, the fatality of which, in conjunction with that of bowel 
complaints, small pox, and hooping- cough, will nearly make 
up tile excess in our bill of moitality. The average number 
of deaths by fevers, estimated for the three yeai's previous to 
1820, is three hundred and tliirty-five. 

We may, therefore, fairly ascribe most of the increase of 
moilality in Pliiladelphia for the last year, to the unusual, 








HEALTH. 


and we trust tiansient prevalence of small pox, but more 
particularly to an unhealthy condition of the atmosphere 
m its vicinity, which, during the summer and autumnal 
months, has proved a prolific source of fevers and bowel 
complaints. 

It may appear paradoxical to some, but still I believe my¬ 
self safe in declaring, that the city proper has for the last three 
years been unusually healthy, and particularly free from those 
diseases which tlie bill of mortality represents as most fatal. 
To explain this apparent contradiction, it is necessary to ob¬ 
serve, that the country about Philadelphia, and even the 
suburbs, have, for about three years past, experienced a de¬ 
gree of sickness diu’ing the summer and fall months, hitherto 
unknown—the salubrity of the city remaining all the time 
unimpaired. Indeed, it is highly curious to observe how ac¬ 
curately the encroachments of the sickly air have been limited 
by the pavements; and very few persons have been affected 
with what has received the name of country fever, who have 
kept within tlieir bounds. 

With tlie view of ascertaining what proportion of inter¬ 
ments belonged to the city proper, the Board of Health issued 
circulars to the physicians, requesting them to note in their 
certificates the districts in wliich their deceased patients had 
resided. This plan was adopted too late in the season, and 
its objects were not so satisfactorily attained as could have 
been desired. However, the result for a few weeks will 
show, tliat the proportion of interments was, as anticipated, 
less for the city tlian for the liberties and country. 

The interments from 

Aug. 9th to 16th were 130, of wlrich 53 were from tire city. 


16th to 23d 

113, 

48 

23d to 30th 

129, 

50 

30th to Sept. 6th 

112, 

45 

6th to 13th 

137, 

63 

13th to 20th 

115, 

50 


It is proper to remar’k, that most of the fever cases which 
terminated fatally in the city, originated itr the country; and 
that the deaths at the public alms house, to which paupers are 
sent from all parts of the coirntry, are included within the 
estimate for the city. The incoi-porated part of Plriladelphia, 
wlrich is foirr miles in extent from nortlr to soirth, and two 
fi’oni east to west, contains a population of about one hundred 


28 


HEALTK. 


and twenty thousand. The register of interments is made 
from the weekly returns furnished the Board of Health by 
the sextons of the different burying gi’ounds, and includes 
both those from the city and country. Next to fevers, con¬ 
sumption is the most mortal complaint on our list, but it ap¬ 
peal’s to have been much less fatal in Pliiladelphia than in ♦ 
New-York. The same remai’k will hkewise apply to the in¬ 
flammatory affections of the chest, to croup, and tabes mesen- 
terica. 

That there is no reason to beheve any material difference 
exists as to the healthfulness of these two cities, under ordi¬ 
nary circumstances, fully appears from the ensuing table. 
The superiority, in this respect, is indeed ratlier in favoui’ of 
Philadelphia. 

A comparative view of the Mortality from the most prevalent 

Diseases in the cities of Philadelphia and New-York^ includ¬ 
ing a period of six years. 




PHILADELPHIA. 



Fevers. 

Bowel 

Affections. 

Consump¬ 

tions. 

Total per an. 
of all diseases. 

1817 

216 

229 

349 

2217 

1818 

496 

283 

396 

2765 

1819 

294 

363 

459 

3124 

1820 

565 

454 

446 

3374 

1821 

419 

380 

438 

3172 

1822 

510 

451 

488 

3591 


2500 

2160 

2576 

18,243 

1817 

227 

NEW-YOHK. 

116 

574 

2527 

1818 

350 

319 

591 

3265 

1819 

292 

444 

577 

3013 

1820 

359 

491 

625 

3515 

1821 

341 

319 

715 

3542 

1822 

394 

301 

624 

3231 


1963 

1990 

3706 

19,093 




ropuLATiojr. 


29 


Population. 

Of the population of Philadelphia, previous to the year 
1790, we have not many memorials. In 1720, the taxable 
inhabitants in the city and county amounted to 1195; in 1740, 
they had increased to 4850: and in 1751, to 7100. The whole 
number of inhabitants in the city proper, in 1753, is stated to 
have been 14,563 : in 1760, 18,756; and in 1769, 28,042. In 
1790 the first official census was taken, and from that time 
w'e have reg-ular and authentic returns of the population. 
The following table, framed from these retm*ns, will exliibit 
the progressive increase of the inhabitants. 



City. 

County. 

Total. 

1790* 

42,520 

11,871* 

54,391 

1800 

41,220 

39,789 

81,009 

1810 

53,722 

57,488 

111,210 

1820 

63,802 

72,695 

136,497 


The population of the different wards and districts of the 
city and county in 1820, was as follows. 


City. 



Chesnut Ward . . - 


2930 

Walnut Ward - _ - 


2817 

South Ward - - 


3333 

Dock Ward - - . 


2415 

Nortli Mulbeny Wai-d - 


5096 

Locust Ward - - . 


7463 

South Mulberry Ward - 


6298 

North IVard - . - 


6020 

Cedar AVard ... 


8904 

Upper Delaware Ward 


3396 

Lower Delaware Ward - 


3237 

High street Wai-d 


2529 

New-Maiket Ward 


5889 

Middle Wai-d . - - 


3475 


* The census of 1790 inchicjes in tht? population of the city that of the 
suburbs ; the subseq^ucnt censuses add the population of the suburbs to 
that of the county. ' ’ 

C 






30 


POPUIATIOX. 


Broug'ht up, 63,802 
County. 


Passyunk Township 

- 

1638 

Kensington, Incorporated 

- 

7118 

Prankford, Borough 

- 

1405 

Oxford township - - - 

- 

1315 

Northern Liberties, First Wai’d 

- 

2826 

Uo. do. Second Ward 

- 

2093 

Do. do. Tliird Ward 

. 

3249 

Do. do. Fourth Ward 

- 

1850 

Do. do. Fifth Ward 

- 

4606 

Do. do. Sixth Ward 

. 

2872 

Do. do. Seventh Ward 

2182 

Spring Garden, Incorporated 

- 

3498 

Blockley Township 

- 

2655 

Kingsesslng do. 

- 

1188 

Boxborough do. 

- 

1682 

Germantown do. 

- 

4311 

Bristol do. 

- 

1257 

Northern Liberties do. - 

- 

1810 

Penn do. 

- 

3105 

Lower Dublin do. 

r 

2640 

Moreland do. 

- 

443 

Byberiy do. 

- 

876 

Moyamensing do. 

- 

3963 

Southwark, Incorporated 

- 

14,713 


73,295 


137,097 

The circumstance of a considerable portion of Philadelphia 
being* united for municipal purposes with the county, has 
g*iven rise to an erroneous impression with respect to the ac¬ 
tual population of the city; anci its magnitude relatively to 
other cities has, in consequence, been grievously underrated. 
In point of fact, Pliiladelphia continues to be in respect to 
population the first city of the union, as a slight examination 
of the details of the census of 1820 will demonsti’ate. The 
whole population of the city and county of Pliiladelphia was, 
as we have seen, 136,497. Now if we deduct from this amount 
the returns of the several townships’of the county, wliichai’e 
not properly part of the suburbs, and of wliich the population.. 




POrWLATlO’T. 


31 


may be stated in round numbers at 15,000, we shall find the 
true number of the population in the built parts of the city to 
have been 121,497. The return of the census of New-York 
for the same year included the whole island on which the 
city stands, and which is about fifteen miles in length, and a , 
part of it devoted to ag'ricultural purposes. The whole amount 
of population in the island of New-York, was returned 123,706. 
Making" a deduction for those parts of the island which ai’e not 
properly included in the city, and of which the population 
may be estimated at about 7000, the true number of inhabit¬ 
ants in the city proper was about 116,706. The following 
table, framed accordingly, exhibits the rank and population 
of the five principal cities of the United States, according 
to the census of 1820. 


1. 

Philadelphia 

121,497 

2. 

New-York 

116,706 

o 

Baltimore ’ 

62,627 

4. 

Boston . 

43,893 

5. 

Charleston 

37,481 


PART IV. 

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS, RELATING TO THE COM¬ 
MERCE, MANUFACTURES, CAPITAL, &.c. 

OF PHILADELPHIA. 

Commerce. 

For a considerable period after the peace of 1783, Phila¬ 
delphia, stood at the head of the commercial cities of the 
Union. The profitable carrying trade, and the great demand 
in Europe for bread stuffs, consequent upon the wars which 
arose out of the P'rench Revolution, caused great activity in 
commerce, and greatly enriched this city. The superior ad¬ 
vantages of New York, however, arising from her proximity 
to the ocean, have gradually raised her to the first rank in 
commerce, and placed her at a great distance beyond the 
other ports of the United States. After the peace of 1815, 
the commerce of Philadelphia declined to a very low ebb, 
in common with that of Boston, Baltimore, and other cities, 
'rhe new state of tilings produced by a general peace had 


32 


COMMtHCE. 


closed many profitable avenues; new channels were to be 
found; larg-e profits were no long’er to be expected; and it 
required some time for mercantile habits to adapt themselves 
to the change. Within the last four years, however, com¬ 
merce and trade have again revived: a steady though gradual 
improvement is taking place, and Pliiladelphia is evidently 
resuming her former elevated rank in commerce. That she 
can approach New York, is not to be expected; but it is be¬ 
lieved, that witli the rapid increase of her manufactures, with 
her abundant capital and enter]Drise, and the spring which 
the completion of the Chesapeake and Susquehanna canals, 
and of the Lehigh and Schuylkill navigation, will give to her 
energies, she will not be faj' behind that active port. 

“ Proximus et non longo inten^allo.” 


The following tables, the details of which were furnished 
from the Register’s Office of the Treasmy, show the value 
of the exports and imports of the four principal cities for se¬ 
veral yeare— 


1. Statement of the total value of the Exports from the four 
principal Cities, since 1818. 



1810. 

1820. 

1821. 

1822. 

1823. 

New-Yoik - - 
Boston - - - 
Philadelphia - 
Baltimore - - 

12,373,5fi9 

3,105,687 

5.936,534 

5,926,213 

11,994,427 

7,721,627 

6,078,635 

6,442,912 

12,244,608 

8,669,019 

7,883,597 

3,739,610 

16,112,978 

9.311,633 

8,776,187 

4,461,615 

17,802,457 

10,633,119 

9,550,358 

5,015,279 


2, Statement of the value ci Domestic Goods, Produce, &c.. 
Exported from the same Cities, since 1818. 



1819. 

1820. 

1821. 

1322. 1 

1 1823. 

Nt-w-York - - 
Boston - - - 
Philad elphia - 
Baltimore - - 

. Statement of 
frt 

1 

7,273,886 

2,557,088 

2,851,379 

3,648,065 

the vain 
)ia the sa 

1 1319. 

7,081.854 

2,509^379 

2,771,613 

4,515.145] 

le of For 
Lme Citie 
] 1820. 

6,980,750 

2,5iJ,364 

3,797,115 

1 2,604,066 

eign <jOC 
s, since 1 
1821. 

10,M4,286 

2,887,400 

3,909,672 

3,431,049 

ids, &,c., 
.818. 

1322. 

10,126,462 

2,740,035 

3,107,612 

3,158,163 

Exported 

1823. 

New-York ■ - 
Boston - - - 
PhJ?.de:pIua - 
Baltimore - - 

5,099,683 

3,6 48,599 

3,084,655 

2,278,148 

4,913,573 
I 5,212,248 
j 3,307,( 22 
1 1,927,767 

5.263,858 

6,157,155 

4,086,432 

1,135,544 

6,103,692 

6,424,233 

4,866,315 

1,030,564 

7,675,995 

7,893,084 

6,442,746 

1,857,116 






























COMMERCE. 


o3 


It appears from these statements, that while In the total 
amount of exports New-York stands first, Boston second, and 
Philadelphia tliird, in the domestic exports Pliiladelphia ranks 
before Boston, and in foreign exports Boston i-anks before 
New-York. 

It will be seen also, from these statements, and from the 
following* statement of imports, that the trade of Pliiladelphia 
is steadily augmenting*. 

4. Statement of the value of Impoils into the four principal 
Cities, in 1821, 1822, 1823. 



1821. 

1822. 

1823. 

New-York - - 

23,534,703 

35,317,802 

29,275,854 

Boston - - - 

11,993,857 

17,365,018 

14,691,156 

Philadelphia - 

9,312,824 

12,340,310 

13,225,643 

Baltimore - - 

3,066,438 

4,786,820 

4,935,425 


5. Statement of the value of the Imports and Exports in the 
first quai’ter of 1824, in the foui* Cities. 


Imports. 

New-York - $8,655,977 

Boston - - 2,365,822 

Philadelphia - 2,473,931 

Baltimore - 962,479 


Exports. 

$4,134,043 

1,604,407 

913,541 

640,090 


A large amount of goods has been heretofore imported 
into New-York, on account of Philadelphia merchants; 
but in consequence of the establishment of three lines of 
packets to Liverpool, the business has, in a great measure, 
been restored to Pliiladelpliia, and will be completely so in at 
short penod. 

6. Statement of the Tonnage of Philadelphia. 

Tons. 95th^ 

Amount of outstanding registered tonnage, on 
the 30th of June, 1824, - - - 55,684 48 

Amount outstanding enrolled do. - - 23,039 17 

Amount licensed do. under 20 tons, - 3,427 49 


Total outstanding tonnage. 


82,151 19 









34 


COMMERCE. 


7. Statement of the amount of Duties on Imported Goods, 
secui-ed or paid, in the four principal Cities, in 1823, and 
first quarter of 1824. 

1823. 1st qr. 1824. 

New-York . $9,022,435 - $2,389,193 

Philadelphia - 3,999,690 - 673,121 

Boston - - 3,848,474 - 626,674 

Baltimore - - 1,216,880 - 226,665 


Statement of the number of vessels which have entered the 
port of Philadelphia from foreign ports, for the first six 
months of 1824. 



Ships. 

Brigs. 

Schrs. 

Sloops. 

January 

0 

4 

4 

0 

February 

6 

9 

2 

0 

March 

7 

13 

18 

0 

April 

9 

24 

14 

2 

May 

13 

15 

14 

0 

June 

13 

26 

21 

1 


48 

91 

73 

3=215 Total, 


Of these, 7 were from Canton, 27 from Great Britain, and 
the balance from various other parts. 


There are now on the stocks in Philadelphia the followino: 
vessels: 

5 ships 
4 brigs 
12 schooners 

21 


Quantity of Flour, &c. inspected in Philadelphia. 


Year 

1822, 

1823, 


Wheat Flour. Rye Flour. Corn Meal. Corn Meal. Middlings. 
Barrels. Barrels. Hhds. Barrels. Barrels. 

270,527 26,100 7567 19,268 2415 

296,171 32,314 6277 20,524 3732 





MANUFACTURES. 


Manufactures. 

Philadelphia Is deservedly celebrated for the number and 
value of ite manufactures; and it was confidently expect¬ 
ed that a general view of them could be prepared for this 
work. The publishei’s have, however, been disappointed in 
respect to the materials for such an account, and can in the 
present edition submit only such prominent facts as they have 
been provided with, trusting- that in a future impression they 
will be enabled to give a full statement of tins interesting 
branch of the public industry. 


The following is taken from an article published in one of 
tlie journals in 1823. 

“ The number of looms employed in the cotton manufac- 
times in Philadelphia is estimated at 2000, requiring annually 
a supply of near 3,000,000 pounds of raw cotton, which pro¬ 
duce 2,500,000 pounds of yarn; tins is wove into 9,984,000 
yards of cloth, of the average value of twenty cents a yard, 
and amounts to the sum of $1,996,800 dollars. The value 
is supposed to be distributed as follows ; To tlie planters, 
$391,515; to the spinners, $446,428; to the weavers and 
spoolei-s, $648,960; to the master weavei-s, on the interest of 
money and profit, $49,920; to the merchant, for dye studs, 
freight, and commissions, $349,102.” 

It is believed that the number of looms now in operation in 
the city and its vicinity, does not fall short of 5000; from 
whence, if the foregoing calculations are con-ect, a computa¬ 
tion may be made of the amount and value of the goods, &c. 
produced by this branch of manufactures. 

There are in Philadelphia and its vicinity upwards of thirty 
cotton factories, most of them on an extensive scale. The 
average number of spindles used in these establishments is 
about 1400, and the number of persons actually employed is 
supposed to be about 3000. 

There are fifteen breweries in Philadelphia, which employ 
one hundred and seventy pei-sons, and sell, at the present re¬ 
duced rates, malt liquor amounting annually to $ 300,000 in 
value. The price of malt liquor in Philadelphia, has been 
reduced within the last year about one third. 



36 


MAXtrFACTUnES. 


From the most accurate infonuation that can be ascertained, 
it is believed that there are about 3000 females employed in 
the different branches of taylors’ work. 


Manufacturers^ ^rtisans^ &c. of Philadelphia. 

The following- list is taken from the Directory for 1823-4. 
It is obviously incorrect and incomplete, and generally em¬ 
braces only the master workmen, or such as are householders, 
or keep a shop or store; it will nevertheless be found an in¬ 
teresting- table, as furnishing information of the varieties of 
trades and occupations and professions pursued in this city. 
It will be remembered, too, that the Directory contains a 
catalogue of suclr persons only as reside within the most 
thickly settled parts of the city. 


33 Artists. 

148 Attorneys and counsellors 
at law. 

1 Auger filer. 

10 Auger makers. 

1 Buckskin maker. 

1 Black lead-pencil maker. 

1 Black lead crucible ma¬ 

ker. 

2 Burr millstone makers. 

4 Bark manufacturers. 

1 Brand cutter. 

7 Bellows makers. 

57 Brewers. 

62 Brickmakers. 

47 Bookbinders. 

238 Blacksmiths, 

125 Bricklayers. , 

214 Bakers. 

55 Brushmakers. 

51 Brass-founders and bell- 
hangers. 

4 Basket makers. 

29 Block, block and pump 
makers. 


5 Bandbox makers. 

3 Bridle bitt makers. 
5 Button makers. 

1‘9 Boat Builders. 


2 Copperplate makers. 

1 Coach lace and fringe 

maker. 

3 Coach spring makers. 

16 Coach painters. 

2 Coach lamp and glass cut¬ 

ters. 

9 Coach trimmers. 

3 Coach smiths. 

59 Coach makers. 

2 Coach wheelwrights-. 

13 Cutlers. 

13 Chemists. 

18 Copperplate printers. 

24 Coppersmiths. 

34 Clock, clock and watch 
makers. 

67 Chair makers, Windsor 
and fancy. 

11 Carvers, common and ot- 
namental. 





37 


MAXUFACTUllEnS, &,C. 


13 Carvers and gilders. 

84 Comb makers. 

606 Carpenters. 

8 Card makers, playing, 8cc. 
211 Cabinet makers. 

4 Calico stampers. 

26 Curriers. 

151 Coopers. 

22 Caulkers. 

1 Car maker. 

1 Cotton winder. 

6 Corset makei’s. 

4 Chair painters. 

1 Chip-hat manufacturer. 

6 Chocolate and mustard 
works. 

1 Cowskin-whip maker. 

2 Clock-dial makers and 

japaners. 

2 Cotton-card makers. 

1 Clamp,for brushes, maker. 
1 Cloth-sponger. 

1 Copal-varnish maker. 

2 Composition ornament 

makers. 

2 Cork cutters. 

36 Distillers. 

31 Dyers, and dyers and 
scourers. • 

1 Distiller of spirits of tur¬ 
pentine. 

1 Dmm maker. 

46 Engravers. 

6 Fire and other engine 
makers. 

1 P'ur cutter. 

2 Fire fender and bird cage 

makers. 

2 Farriers. 


1 Feather maker. 

2 Fancy morocco box ma¬ 

kers. 

8 Fringe, fringe and tassel 
makers. 

3 Fur workers. 

1 Floor cloth manufacturer. 

2 Frame makers. 

1 Frame work knitter. 

2 Gold burnishers. 

3 Gun-stock makers, 

1 Glass blower. 

6 Glue makers. 

8 Gilders. 

10 Glove makers. 

10 Goldsmiths, silversmitlis^ 

and jewellers. 

7 Gold beaters. 

34 Gunsmiths. 

1 Glass cutter. 

85 Hair dressers. 

56 Hatters. 

21 Harness makers. 

2 Haircloth makers. 

1 Hardware manufacturer. 

1 Hydi’aulic engine maker, 

11 Iron founders. 

44,1 e wellers. 

5 Joiners. 

2 Japaimers. 

1 Jack maker. 

9 Last and boot-tree ma¬ 

kers. 

2 Leather dyers. 

5 Locksmiths. 

9 Lace, lace and fringe wea¬ 
vers. 



58 


MAXUFACTTTRERS, &C. 


6 Looklng'-glass frame ma¬ 
kers. 

2 Looking-g'lass makers. 

1 Looking-g-lass silverer. 

2 Lamp makers. 

2 Mathematical instrument 
makers. 

10 Machine makers. 

6 Mai’ble cutters. 

15 Mast and spar makers. 

42 Morocco dressers. 

2 Machinists. 

9 MUlwrig-hts. 

6 Musical instrument ma¬ 
kers. , 

98 Milliners. 

32 Ministers of the gospel. 

2 Mustard manufacturers. 

1 Mai-ble paper maker. 

6 Mahogany sawyem. 

1 Morocco hat maker. 

1 Mast-hoop maker. 

1 Mop and thrum maker. 

11 Nail cutters. 

1 Oil maker. 

1 Organ builder. 

2 Ornamental paper hang¬ 

ing makers. 

7 Ornamental painters. 

2 Ornamental plasterers. 

117 Physicians. 

127 Printers. 

1 Preparer of essences. 

23 Plumbers. 

78 Painters. 

40 Painters and glaziers. 

67 Plasterers. 

30 Potters. 


16 Paper stainers. 

8 Pocket-book makers. 

3 Plough makei’s. 

2 Printing press makers-. 

16 Plane makers. 

20 Paper hangem. 

6 Paper hanging manufac¬ 

turers. 

10 Paper makers. 

2 Pattern (for stoves, &c.) 

makers. 

1 Plaster of paris manufac¬ 
turer. 

3 Piano-forte makers. 

1 Pewterer. 

1 Paint manufacturer. 

2 Print cutters. 

2 Printing ink makers. 

3 Quill manufacturers. 

32 Riggers. 

42 Rope makers. 

3 Rule and square makers. 

5 Reed makers. 

1 Refiner of metals. 

1 Riveted Fire Hose makelv 

1 Spectacle maker. 

30 Silversmiths. 

5 Shipsmiths. 

7 Saddle-tree makers. 

30 Skin di'essers. 

3 Spring makers. 

5 Sign painters. 

3 Stove finishers. 

34 Sugar refiners. 

6 Starch makers. 

15 Stone masons. 

40 Silver platers. 

98 Shipwrights. 

43 Sail maker si 



39 


MANUFACTURERS, &C. 


55 Stone cutters. 

10 Silk dyers. 

17 Spinnere and spoolers. 

70 Saddlers. 

3 Surg'eons. 

43 Ship carpenters. 

921 Shoemakers and boot¬ 
makers. 

2 Shuttle makers. 

1 Stay maker. 

23 Ship joiners. 

8 Shing-le shavers. 

1 Screw maker. 

24 Soap, soap and candle 

makers. 

11 Stocking- weavers. 

2 Shovel -and spade makers. 

5 Suspender makers. 

1 Silver lace maker. 

7 Saw makers. 

1 Sacking-bottom maker. 

6 Sui'geon’s instrument ma¬ 

kers. 

1 Steam engine maker. 

2 Stirrup makers. 

1 Stone ware manufacturer. 
1 Steel manufacturer. 

17 Stove manufacturers. 

1 Sword maker. 

1 Spectacle and thermome¬ 

ter maker. 

2 Shot manufactui’ers. 

1 Slater. 

2 Sock makere. 

1 Ship’s colours maker. 

1 S oap maker for taking out 

stains. 

2 Spinning wheel makers. 

1 Seahng wax and wafer 

maker. 

2 Steam saw-millers. 

1 Sheet iron manufacturer. 


457 Taylors. 

75 Tayloresses. 

46 Turners of wood, ivoiy, 
a)id metals. 

13 Trunk makers. 

63 Tallow chandlers. 

137 Tobacconists, and segar 
makei-s. 

81 Tannei’s. 

15 I’insmiths. 

36 Tin-plate workers. 

17 Type foundei-s.. 

11'in plater. 

11’ag maker. 

1 Town clock maker and 
machinist. 

1 Tmss maker. 

2 Thimble makers. 

27 Upholsterers. 

27 Umbrella makers. 

207 Victuallers or butchers. 

4 Venetian blind makers. 

3 Woollen manufacturers. 
12 Wire workers. 

1 Washing machine maker. 

2 Worsted and woollen yarn 

manufacturers. 

19 Whitesmitlis. 

37 Watchmakers. 

9 Whipmakers. 

241 Weavers. 

56 Wheelwrights. 

11 Wharf builders. 

1 White and red lead manu¬ 
facturer. 

1 Wafer maker. 

2 Watch case makers, t 
1 Whalebone cutter. 




40 


MANUFACTURES. 


It appears by the above list, that the whole number of per 
sons engaged in manufacturing, or other occupations or pro¬ 
fessions, in Philadelphia, is nearly 7000; and these, as has 
been obseiwed, are principally the master workmen. If the 
amount be multiplied by the average number of joumeymen 
or apprentices supposed to be employed, a pretty fair calcu¬ 
lation may be made of the number of persons engaged in pro¬ 
ductive employments in this city. A large poition of the 
journeymen and others employed in various branches of manu¬ 
factures, reside in the outskirts of the city, and are not in¬ 
cluded in the Directory. 

The amount of umbrellas annually manufactured in Phila 
delphia, is about $ 400,000. 


INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

The exertions made by Philadelphia for, and the money 
embarked in, enterprises of internal improvement, have far 
exceeded those of any cifij in the Union. It must be remem¬ 
bered, that, vast as are the efiforts of the state of New York, 
the city of New York has had no other agency in them than 
lending money on good security and on interest; whereas 
the advances made by the citizens of Philadelphia have been 
hazarded upon their own responsibility, and exceed consi¬ 
derably in amount the estimated cost of the canals of New 
'f^ork. The gross amount of money advanced for the several 
objects, are alone given here ; but they are taken from cor¬ 
rect data. A more particular account of several of these pub¬ 
lic works wUl be found in another part of this work. 

Bridges ov^r the river Schuylkill, &c. - - $424,000 

Old subscription to the Susquehanna and Schuyl¬ 
kill canal,. 500,000 

New subscriptions to the same. 450,000 

Schuylkill Navi^tion Company, - - - 1,500,000 
Lehigh Navigation Company, - - - - . 500,000 
Chesapeake and Delaware old and new stock, 900,000 


Amount carried forward, $ 4,274,000 






IXTEniJAL IJrrnOTEMEyTS, 


41 


Amount broug-ht forward, $ 4,274,000 

Concwago falls, made with Philadelphia capital, 100,000 
Lancaster and other turnpikes leading to the 
city, and constructed with its capital; Water 
Works, &c..2,810,000 

$7,184,000 

Exceeding largely the wdiole amount expended on tlie New 
York canal. 


CAPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA. 

The following statements will seiwe to show the amount 
of the capital or wealth of Philadelphia, as exhibited by the 
amount of stock held by its citizens, the valuation of its real 
estate, &c. 

1. Amount of the Capital of Philadelphia invested in the 
National Stocks. 

The whole amount of the Debt of tlie United States, on 
the 1st of January, 1824, was $90,451,834 24cts. Of this 
sum, $43,509,211 52 cts. are held in Philadelphia, thus db 
vided:— 

Owned by its citizens and corporate 
bodies,.$29,182,499 50 

Owned by foreigners,. 14,326,712 02 

43,509,211 52 


Our own citizens receive an annual In¬ 


terest on tliis debt, of. 1,700,668 11 

And foreigners,. 743,915 42 


2,444,5^ 54 


The annual interest on-the whole debt 
of the United States is - • - - ■ 
D 


5,642,724 95 















42 


CAPITAL. 


Of which, as Is shown above, Philadel¬ 
phia receives.. 

or very near one-half of the whole. 
New York receives, for her citizens and 

foreigners,. 

Boston,.. 

Balthnore,.. 


2,444,583 54 


1,338,950 39 
1,178,357 74 
208,365 16 


2. Amount of the Stock of the Bank of the United States 
held by Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia holds in the capital stock of the Bank of the 
United States, 37,269 shares, valued according to the present 
price at 122 dollars per share, and amounting to $4,545,818. 
The annual dividend received in this city on that stock, at 
tlie present low rate of dividend, is 186,345 dollars. 

New York holds in this stock 40,289 shares. 

Massachusetts,. 27,837 do. 

Baltimore,. 38,490 do. 


3. Capital Stock of the Banks of the City and Ldherties. 


Bank of Pennsylvania, - - 
Bank of Philadelphia, - - 

Farmers and Mechanics* Bank, 
Commercial Bank, . - - 
Bank of North America, 
Stephen Guard’s Bank, - - 
Mechanic’s Bank, - - - - 

Schuylkill Bank, - - - - . 
Northern Liberties Bank, - • 
Gennantown Bank, - . - . 


- - - - 2,500,000 

- - - - 1,800,000 

- - - - 1,250,000 

- - - - 1 , 000,000 

- - - - 830,000 

exceeding 1,000,000 

- - - - 534,000 

- - - - 500,000 

- - - - 250,000 

- - - - 152,000 


$9,816,000 


4. Capital Stock invested in Insurance Companies. 

Nortli America,.$ 600,000 

I*ennsylvania,. 500,000 

Phoenix,. 480,000 


Amount carried forward, $ 1,580,000 




















CAPITAL. 


4“^ 


Amount brought forward, $ 1,580,000 

Philadelphia,. 400,000 

Union,. 300,000 

Marine,. 300,000 

Delaware,. 200,000 

United States,. 100,000 

Fire Insurance Offices, and Offices for insurance 

on Lives,. 1,120,000 


$4,000,000 


5. Value of Real and Personal Estate. 

The official valuation of real estate in the city and county 
of Philadelphia, in 1823, was $35,071,080. At the period 
in which the assessment was made, real estate had depreci¬ 
ated greatly in value, and it is well known that the assess¬ 
ment is never more tlian one-half of the actual value of the 
estate: this amount may tlierefore be doubled, $70,142,160 
Shipping, merchandise, stock in mamifac- 
tories, bonds and mortgages on property 
out of the city, city stock, plate, fui’niture, 

&c. may safely be estimated at - 35,000,000 


Total value of real and personal est^e, $105,142,160 


Recapitulation. 

Capital Invested in government stock, - $ 29,182,500 
Stock in the United States’ Bank, - 4,545,818 

Stock in the city banks, ... 9,816,000 

Stock in insurance companies, - - 4,000,000 

Stock in bridges, canals, and turnpike roads, 5,600,000 
Ileal estates, ----- 70,142,160 

Personal estate besides stock, - - 35,000,000 


Total, 


$ 158,286,478 


Proportion of the Florida Award paid in Philadelphia. 

It may be stated, as an evidence of the extent of the foreign 
commerce and enterprise of the citizens of Philadelphia, that 








44 


STATISTICAL FACTS. 


the share of the awards paid to them under the Florida treaty, 
for spoliations on commerce, considerably exceeds that of 
any other city in the Union, The following- is a con-ect state¬ 
ment of the amount appropriated to the different p-ai'ts of the 
United States:— 

Philadelphia - - $ 1,250,000 

New York ... - 1 000,000 
Baltimore .... 700,000 

All New Fing-land - 1,750,000 
South of the Potomac 300,000 


$ 5,000,000 


Contributions to the Stale Government. 

The average annual expenses of the government of Penn¬ 
sylvania are about 325,000 dollars, including interest on her 
debt. Of this amount Philadelphia pays 260,000 dollars, or 
four-fifths of the whole. 

Post Office. 

The amount paid in the course of a year for the postage of 
letters, is a good evidence of the activ ity of business in a 
place. The following statement shows the amount p^d in 
1823, in each of the principal cities:— 

New York - - - $92,891 

Philadelphia .... 77,048 

Boston. 49,923 

Baltimore -. - - - - 41,442 

Newspapers. 

Tlie following statement exhibits the number of daily 
newspapers published in each of the principal cities:— 
Philadelphia - - - U. 

New York • - - ^ 

Baltimore - . - - 5 

Boston .... 2 

'rhcrc are eighteen newspapers published in Philadelphia, 
of which eleven are daily. The number of impressions an¬ 
nually printed by the daily papers, is upwai'ds of 3,000,000. 
There are sent by maU from the Philadelphia post office, 





STATISTICAL FACTS. 


45 


every three months, 162,040 newspapers published in this 
city, and annually 648,160; the annual postage of which 
amounts to $ 7459 48 cts. 

JReal Estate, and Thares. 

Idle valuation of the real estate within the chartered limits 
of the city, in 1823, was - - - . $21,136,215 

Valuation of the county ... 13,934,865 


$ 35,071,080 


The amount of the tax on real estate for county purposes, 

in 1823, was.$ 113,878 93 cts. 

The amount of personal tax ... 8,666 07 


Total - - $ 122,545 00 


Internal Trade. 

The value of goods sent by wagons from Philadelphia 
westward, is immense. The publishers were anxious to ob¬ 
tain an estimate of the amount, but have not been successful 
in time for this edition. A single fact may however be stated, 
to give an idea of the extent of this business. The number 
of wagons loaded for Pittsburgh, by a single house in Phila¬ 
delphia, in 1823, was upwards of 200, the average weight of 
wliich was 4000 lbs.; and the freight alone, at the present 
reduced rate of 3 dolls, perewt., was $24,000. 


Population. 

By the 4th section of the 1st article of the state constitution, 
it is directed, that an enumeration of the taxable inhabitants 
in the several counties and cities shall be made once in every 
period of seven years. The following statement, taken from 
the official return, shows the increase of the taxable inhabit¬ 
ants of the city and county of Philadelphia, from 1814 to 1821: 


1814. 

Philadelpliia city 9,383 
-county 10,486 

Total 19,869 


1821. 

12,696 

15,196 

27,892 


D 2 


Increase. 

3,313 

4,710 

8,023 















46 


STATISTICAL FACTS. 


The whole number of texables in the state, in 1821, was 
208,512; while the whole population, by the marshal’s return 
of 1820, was 1,049,458. It appears, then, that one person 
in five of the whole population is a taxable inhabitant. The 
increase of the taxable inhabitants of tlie city and county of 
Philadelphia, between 1814 and 1821, is very striking, when 
Compared with that of the remainder of the state; the increase 
of the former being upwards of 40 per cent., wliile of the 
latter the increase is only about 25 per cent. 

Negro Population. 

The city contained, in 1820, 7331 coloured persons; of 
whom there were living in the families of white persons, as 
servants, assistants, &c. ... 846 males, 

1739 females. 

Total number of negro servants, 2585 

Those who kept house, or were living in families of them 
own colour, were - - - - 2115 males, 

, 2631 females. 

Total - - . - - 4746 


In the suburbs of the city, there were, in 1820, 3398 co- 
loLU’ed persons, of whom tliere lived as servants, 

182 males, 

343 females. 
-525 

Housekeepers, &c. .... 2873 

3398 

. The number of negroes retuimed as taxable inhabitants, in 
1821, wasj in the city 1351, in the suburbs 619, total 1970, 
of whom 229 owned real estate, which was assessed at 
$ 124,289, the probable value of which was upwards of 
200,000 dollars! 

In Cedar wai'd> in 1820, there were 1047 white families, 

612 coloured families! 




( 47 ) 


PART V. 

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. 

These ai’e exceedingly numerous in Philadelphia, and the 
protection of the land being extended to all sects alike, it is 
not sui'prising that the modes of belief and worship should be 
various and subdivided. A Christian stranger, from whatever 
quailer he may come, will scarcely fail to find a congi’egation 
worshipping according to the doctrine, and in the manner to 
which he has been accustomed. With one or two excep¬ 
tions, the earliest churches now standing are not remarkable 
for their exterior beauty. AVithin the last few years a sticking 
change has been effected, and Philadelphia may now boast 
of several places of public worship, which are in more than 
one sense an ornament to it. Some account of the principal 
of these edifices will be given in the course of this chapter. 

The different religious denominations of Piiiladelphia may 
be aiTanged as follows. 


1. The Roman Catholics. 

This ancient society of Christians has four churches. 

1. The Cathedral Church of St. Mary’s, situated in Fourth 
street, between Pmne and Spruce streets, built in 1763, and 
enlarged and improved in 1810. It is now 100 feet by 71. 
I'he front on Fouidh street is neat and in good taste. The 
altar has a very beautiful and impressive effect. An unfor¬ 
tunate dispute has existed between the congregation and the 
Catliolic bishop, for two or three years past, which has risen, 
on more than one occasion, to a distui’bance of the public 
order and peace. The present pastor of this church is the 
Rev. Mr. O’Mealy. His right to officiate in tliis capacity is 
however denied by the bishop. 

2. St. Jiugustirie’s, in Fourth street, opposite to New street, 
and near to Vine street, was built in 1800. Its pastor is the 
Rev. Dr. Hurley. 

3. Tlhc Holy Trinity, corner of Spruce and Sixth streets, 
w'as built in 1789, and is 100 feet long and 60 feet wide. Its 
pastor is the Rev. Mr. Roloff. 

4. St. Joseph’s, in a court between Willing’s Alley and 
Walnut street, was built in 1733, and has recently been cn- 


48 


RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. 


lai’ged. It is at present occupied by that portion of the con- 
gi’egation of St. Maiy’s wliicli attached itself to the side of 
the bishop, in the unhappy disputes of that church. 

Another Catholic church is contemplated to be built by the 
present worshippers at St. Joseph’s. 

II. The Protestant Episcopal Church. 

Of this denomination of Christians there are nine chiu’ches 
in Philadelphia. 

1. Christ's Churchy in Second street, between Market and 
Arch, one of the most ancient, and certainly not the least 
striking" or beautiful of the relig"ious edifices in this city. So 
early as 1710, a wooden church stood on the site of the pre¬ 
sent building", which was begum in 1727. It is 90 feet long, 
and 60 feet wide. The steeple (for a long time the only 
one of which Philadelphia could boast) is a very graceful 
piece of ai'clntecture. It is 190 feet high, and has a ring of 
eight bells. 

2. St. Peter's, built in 1761, is at the corner of Pine and 
Third sheets. It is 90 feet in length, and 60 in breadth. 

3. St. James', in Seventh street, between Mai"ket and Arch 
sheets, was built in 1809, and is 90 feet long, and 60 wide. 
The foundation of a steeple is laid. The three chm-ches, of 
Christ’s, St. Peter’s, and St. James’, are united under the 
rectorship of the bishop, the venerable Hr. White. I’he 
assistant ministers ai’e Dr. Abercrombie, and Rev. Messrs. 
Kemper and Delancey. 

4. St. Paul's, in Third sheet, betw’een Walnut and Spruce, 
and opposite to Willing’s alley, was built in 1762. It is 90 
feet long and 60 wade. The present rector is the Rev. Mr. 
Allen. 

5. St. John's, is on the south side of Brown sheet, between 
St. John street and Rose alley, in the Northern Liberties, and 
was built a few years since. The exterior of this edifice is vei'y 
imposing. It is built of brick, with two lofty columns and a 
portico in front. The present rector is the Rev. Mr. Boyd. 

6. St. Stephen’s, in Tenth street, between Chesnut and 
Market sheets, was consecrated on the 27th of Februaiy, 
1823. Its exheme length, from east to west, is 102 feet. It 
is one of the most perfect specimens of the Gothic archi¬ 
tecture in this counhy. The western front presents tw'o 
octangular towers, eighty-six feet high, but wliichare intend- 


BELIRIOUS INSTITIJTIONJ5. 


49 


ed to be still liig-her. The pulpit and chancel are lilghly 
finislied, and the coup d’ocil, on entering- the church, is in the 
highest degree impressive. The windows ai’e embellished 
with cherubim in stained glass, imported from England. The 
Rev. Mr. Montgomery is the present rector. 

7. St. Andrew’s^ in Eighth street, between Locust and 
Spruce streets, was consecrated on the 31st of May, 1823. 
The character of the edifice is Grecian. The front is intended 
to be a copy of the portico of the Temple of Bacchus at Teos^ 
The interior of the building is of a similai’ character of archi¬ 
tecture, and highly decorated. A spire, the foundation of 
which is laid, is intended to be added to the western end of 
the building. The whole length of the church, including the 
spii-e, is 130 feet, and its breadth 65 feet. The Rev. Mr. 
Bedell is the present rector. 

8. Trinity Church is on the south side of Catharine street, 
between Second and Tliird streets. It is a neat brick build¬ 
ing. The interior is plain, but in good taste. The Rev. Mi*. 
Ives is the present rector. 

9. St. Matthew*s is a neat brick building, situated In Fran- 
cisville, in the north-western suburb of the city. It was con¬ 
secrated in .Tune, 1824, by the Right Rev. Bishop White. 

Besides these, there is an Episcopal church called St. Marlds^ 
at Mantua^ on the borders of the city; and anotlier at German^ 
towiij named St. Lulce’s. 

III. Presbttehtans. 

The members of this communion have several places 
worship in Philadelphia. 

1. The First Presbyterian Congregation assembled, until 
recently, in an edifice of handsome exterior, in Mai’ket-street, 
between Second and Third sti-eets, which was taken down in 
1822. The present church was built in the same year, and 
stands in a beautiful situation at the corner of AVashington 
Square and Seventh streets. The edifice is Grecian, and its^, 
model was the Ionic temple on the river Ilyssus at Atliens. 
It is built of brick, and coated with mortar, painted in imita¬ 
tion of marble. The roof is surmounted by a cupohq in wliich 
is a bell. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. AVilson. 

2. The Second Presbyterian Church is at the comer of Arch 
and Third streets. It was built in 1750, and enlarged in 1809. 
The Rev. Dr. Janeway is the pastor. 


HELIGIOUS INSTITUTIOJfS. 


40 

3. The Third Presbyterian Church is in Pine street, be¬ 
tween Fourth and Fifth streets. Its pastor is the Rev. Dr. 
Ely. 

4. The Fourth Presbyterian Church is in Fifth, near Cedar 
or South street. Its pastor is the Rev. George Potts. 

5. The Fifth Presbyterian Congregation worships at a new 
and very neat brick building, erected in Arch street, above 
Tenth, and first used for divine service in June, 1823. It is 
ornamented by a steeple 165 feet high, of good proportions 
and effect. The pastor is the Rev. Skinner. 

6. The Sixth Presbyterian Churchy is a neat brick building 
on the north side of Spruce street, near to Sixth. The pastor 
is the Rev. Dr. Neill. 

7. The Seventh Presbyterian Churchy is the building for¬ 
merly called the Tabernacle, situated at the head of Ranstead^s 
court, which leads from Fourth street west, between Chesnut 
and Market streets. Its pastor is the Rev. Mr. Engles. 

8. The Eighth Presbyterian Church is in Spmce street, on 
the south side, between Third and Fourth streets. The 
pastor is the Rev. Mr. Arbuckle. This church was formerly 
styled “ The Associate Refonned,” but has recently attached 
itself to the Presbyteiy of Philadelpliia. 

9. The Ninth Presbyterian Church is on the west side of 
Thirteenth street, between Market and Arch streets. This 
neat and ornamental church was built in 1814, m consequence 
of the bequest of a sum of money for the purpose by Mrs. 
Margaret Duncan. . The pastor is the Rev. Mr. M’Innis. 

10. The First Presbyterian Church in the Northern Liber¬ 
ties is at the north-west corner of Coates and Second. Pastor, 
the Rev. Mr. Patterson. 

11. The Kemington Presbyterian Church is a very pretty 
building, situated on the north-east side of Palmer street, be¬ 
tween Queen and Prince streets. The pastor is the Rev. Mr. 
Chandler. 

12. The Cohocksink Presbyterian Church is on the German¬ 
town road above Camac street. Service is peiformed here 
by a missionary. 

13. The First Presbyterian Congregation of Southwark is 
at present worshipping in old Ebenezer chm’ch, belonging to 
the Methodist society, situated in Second street, between 
Cathaiine and Queen streets. A church is building for tlii.s 
congregation on the west side of Second-street, between 


KELIGIOCS IXSTITUTIOXS. 51 

Q\ieen and Christian streets. The pastor is the Rev. Mr. 
Osburn. 

Resides these churches, there are two buildings erected 
for the purpose of worship, according to the Presbyterian 
doctrine, but which are not occupied by regular congrega¬ 
tions. One of these is the session-house of the Second Pres¬ 
byterian Church, a large building erected on Cherry street, 
above Fifth street, and occasionally used as a place of wor¬ 
ship; the other, called the Combined Mission Houses is a frame 
building situated between Front and Second streets, north of 
Maiden street, Kensington, and is also occasionally used as 
place of worship. 

IV. The Scots Presbyteriait, 

Or Associate Churchy is a small brick building, on the north 
side of Walnut street, between Fourth and Fiflli streets. The 
doctrines of this chui’ch do not differ materially from those of 
the General Assembly. The pastor of tliis church is the Rev. 
Dr. Ranks. 


‘ V. The Covenanters, 

Or Reformed Presbyterians. A congregation under this 
denomination worships at a new building in Eleventh sti’eet, 
between Chesnut and Market streets. Pastor, Rev. Dr. 
Wylie. 

VI. The Raptists. 

1. The First Baptist Church is on the west side of Second 
street, near to Arch street. The pastor was tlie Rev. Dr. 
Holcombe, recently dead. 

2. The Second Baptist Church is situated on the west side 
of Rudd street, above Poplar lane, in tlie Noithem Liberties. 
The pastor is the Rev. Mr. Kitts. 

3. The Third Baptist Church is on the east side of Second 
street, between German and Catharine streets. The pastor 
is the Rev. Mr. Ashton. 

4. The Sansom Street Baptist Churchy is a building of 
rather striking and novel architecture, situated on the south 
side of Sansom street, above Eighth street. The last pastor 
was the Rev. Dr. Staughtom 


RELIGIOUS IlfSTITUTIOXS, 


52 

5. TUt New Marhet Street Baptist Church Is situated In New 
Market street, between Noble street and Duke street. In the 
Northern Liberties. The pastor Is the Rev. Mr. Griffin. 

There Is, besides these, a small building- erected for the 
puj-poses of Baptist worship, near to the Schuylkill. 

VII. The Methodists. 

1. St. George’s, on the east side of Fourth street, between 
Race and New streets. 

2. The New Ehenezer Church, on the north side of Chris¬ 
tian street, between Tliird and Fourth streets. 

3. Union Methodist Church is in die south end of the Old 
College, on die west side of Fourth sti-eet, between Market 
and Arch. 

4. St. John’s, on the west side of St. John street, between 
Poplar lane and George streets. 

5. Kensington Mettwdist Church is situated at the corner 
of Marlborough and Queen streets. 

6. Salem, on the east side of Thirteenth street, between 
Spruce and Pine streets. 

7. Nazareth is a frame building on Alban street, in the 
square between Race and Vine streets, and Thirteenth and 
Juniper streets.* 

There is, beside these, a neat brick building on Eleventh 
street, between Vine and Wood streets, erected for purposes 
of worship by members of the Methodist society. 

VIII. The Friends, or Quakers, 

Have five places of worship:— 

1. One on the south side of Pine street, between Front 
and Second streets. 

2. One in Keys’s alley, which runs from Front to Second 
street, south of Vine street. 

3. One on Arch street, between Third and Fourth streets. 
In this building, the yearly and monthly meetings of the so¬ 
ciety are held. 

4. One in Green street, at the comer of Fourth street. 

5. One on the west side of Twelfth street, between Ches- 
nut and Mai-ket sti-eets. 

* This church does not belong to the “ Methodist ConHCxion.” 


RELIGIOUS IX5TITUTIONS. 


55 


IX. The Free Quakers 

Have, or recently occupied, a place of worship at the south¬ 
west corner of Arch and Fiftli streets. 

X. German Lutheran. 

1. Zion Church is a larg-e and neat building, at the comer 
of Fourth and Cheny streets. The pastors are the Rev. Dr. 
Schxffer and Rev. Mr. Demmy. 

2. St. Michuel^Sf at the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets, 
is an old building of a venerable appearance. The pastors 
are the same as at Zion Church. 

3. St. John’s^ on the north side of Race, between Fifth 
and Sixth streets, a new and handsome building. Service is 
performed in the English language in this church. Pastor, 
the'Rev. Dr. Mayer. 

Reside these, a congregation, worshipping according to the 
Gennan Luthei-an tenets, but in the English language, assem¬ 
bles occasionally in the northern end of the Old College, in 
F^oiu’th, between Market and Arch streets; and divine service 
is celebrated in the German Lutlieran Academy St. John 
street, every Tuesday night. 

XI. Germatt Reformed. 

1. One in Race street, near Fourth street; pastor. Rev. 
Ml’. Helfenstein. 

2. One in St. John street, between Tammany and Green 
streets; pastor. Rev. Mr. Vandersloot. 

XII. Reformed Dutch. 

1. One in Crown street, between Fourth and Fifth streets^ 
pastor. Rev. Dr. Broadhead. 

2. One in Eighth street, north of Callowhill street. 

There is another congregation of this denomination wor¬ 
shipping at the Spring Garden school-house, comer of But¬ 
tonwood lane and Eightli street. 

XIII. The Uxiversalists. 

1. The First Universalist Church is on the south side of 
I^ombai’d street, between Foui’th and Fifth streets; pastor, 
tlie Rev. Ml’. Kneeland. 


E 


54 


RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. 


2. The Second Universalist Church is at the corner of 
Crown and Callowhill sti'eets. 'Fhis is a very neat new build¬ 
ing", with a portico and Doric front in imitation of mai^ble : 
the interior is also handsomely decoi-ated. Pastor, the Rev. 
Mr. Morse. 


XIV. SwEDENBORGIANS. 

1. The New Jerusalem Temple, a neat building, at the 
corner of Twelftli and George sti’eets. 

A congregation, professing the doctrines of Swedenborg, 
is said to assemble in Southwark, at the Commissioners’ Hall. 

XV. Moravians, or United Brethren. 

A church was erected by this society, so early as 1742. It 
has recently been taken down, and a ver}^ neat edifice erect¬ 
ed from a design by Stricldand. The building is situated in 
Bread street, or Moravian alley, between Second and Third 
streets, near Race street. Pastor, Rev. Mr. Reinke. 

XVI. Swedish Lutheran. 

A venerable building, probably the most ancient place of 
worship in Philadelpliia, commonly called the Swedes’ Church, 
situated on the west side of Swanson street, between Prime 
and Cliristian streets. The pastor is the Rev. Dr. Collin. 

XVII. Mount Zion. 

A society, calling themselves the “Christian Church,’’ or 
“ Mount Zion,” worship at a new building at the corner of 
Christian and Sixth streets. 

XVIII. Menonists, 

Or Bunkers, have one place of worship in Pliiladelphia, 
situated on Crown street and Old Fourth street, between 
Wood and Callowliill streets; pastor. Rev. Mr. Keyser. 

XIX. Bible Christians. 

A sect under this name arose in 1817, and now worships 
in a neat frame building on the west side of 'Fhird street, 
near tiie Germantown road. Pastor, Rev. Mr. Metcalfe. 


nELIGIOrS INSTITUTIONS. 


55 


XX. Maiiineii’s Church. 

A place of worsliip, intended for the religious instruction 
of seamen is now building' on the cast side of Water street, 
between Walnut and Chesnut streets. Tlie cong'reg'ation at 
present worships at tlie Session-house in Clierry street, under 
the pastoral cai’e of the llev. Mr. Eastbui’n. 

XXI. Jews. 

1. A synag'og'ue, situated on the north side of Cheny 
street, above 'I'liird street. This building-, recently erected, 
is 40 feet in front by 70 feet in dejith, being' two storeys in 
heig'ht, built in the Egyptian style, of stone from the falls 
of Schuylkill. 

The pxincipal entrance is throug-h an elevated door-way, 
formed with inclined jambs, supporting- a large coved cornice, 
in which is sculptured the glone mid ivings. 

The interior embraces two semi-circular blocks of seats, 
displaying to the north and south of the ark and altar. The 
dome is supported with Egyptian columns copied from the 
temple at Tentyra, and is formed by semi-circular archivolts, 
joining a riclily panelled segment, extending over tlie ark 
and altar. 

In the centre of the dome is a lantern, which gives light to 
the altar. 

I'lie ark is situated in the cast side, immediately opposite 
the altar, and is neatl}' decvorated with pilasters, supporting a 
coved cornice, enriched with the globe and wiitgs, together 
with a marble tablet, containing the ten commandments in 
Hebrew'. It is approached by a fight of three steps between 
cheek-blocks which support tw'o handsome ti’ipods, crowned 
with lamps. 

I’he gallei-ies are semi-circular, extending round the north 
and south sides of the building, and are supported by the co¬ 
lumns, which extend to the dome. 

'rhe building was designed by Mr. Sti'Ickland. 

2. A synagogue in Church alley, between Second and 
Third streets, on the north side. I'iiis is culled tlie German 
synagogue. 


56 


RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. 


XXII. Unitarians, 

Have one place of worship, at the comer of Locust and 
Tenth streets. 

In addition to the foregoing places of worship, the follow-., 
ing, belonging to or occupied by persons of colour, may be 
enumerated:— 

1. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas is situated 
on the west side of Fifth sti-eet, between Walnut and Prune 
streets. 

2. The first African Presbyterian Church is on the east side 
of Seventh street, between Shippen and Fitzwater streets. 

3. The second African Presbyterian congreg-ation worships 
at a building on the north side of Noms’s alley, between Se¬ 
cond and Front streets. 

4. The African Baptists worship at a small frame building, 
situate in Smith’s alley, between Eighth and Chester streets 
and Race and Vine streets. 

5. There is also a brick building, situated in Thiiteenth 
street, between Race and Vine streets, erected for the pur¬ 
pose of worship by African Baptists. 

6. * Bethel, an African Methodist church, is situated on the 
east side of Sixth street, between Pine and Lombard streets. 

7. * Union, another African Methodist Church, situated on 
the south side of Coates’ street, near the Old York road. 

8. Zoar, a third African 3Iethodist church, is on the north 
side of Brown street, west of Fourth sti’eet. 

9. * Wesley church, the fourth African Methodist church, is 
on the north side of Lombard street, between Fifth and Sixth 
streets. 

10. * Another African Methodist congi’egation worships at 
a small building, at the corner of Gill’s alley, in Lombard 
street, between Fifth and Sixth sti-eets. 

Besides the places of worship enumerated in the preceding 
pages, there are four buildings, of small dimensions, erected 
by the Evangelical Society, in different parts of the suburbs. 
Public worship is also held at the Walnut sti’eet Prison, where 
a building has been erected for the purpose; at the Arch street 
Prison; at the Alms-House; at the Orphan’s Asylum, the Wi¬ 
dow’s Asylum, and the Magdalen Asylum. 


These chutvhes do not belong to the “ Methodist Connexion.” 


KELIGIOUS IXSTITUTIONS. 


57 


RKCAPITTILATIOy. 

The first column shows th£ number of buildings actually erect¬ 
ed or occiqned by each denominatim,^ and ^le second column 
the number of organized congregations. 


Baptists - . . . 

Build¬ 

ings. 

- 8 

Congrega¬ 

tions. 

- 6 

Bible Christians - - 

- 1 

- 1 

Covenanters - - - 

- 1 

- 1 

Episcopal - - . - 

- 10 

- 10 

Friends, or Quakers - 

- 5 

- 5 

Free Quakers - - - 

- 1 

- 1 

German Lutherans - 

- 4 

- 4 

Gennan Reformed - 

- 2 

- 2 

.Tews. 

- 2 

- 2 

Mariner’s Church 

- 1 

- 1 

Menonists ... - 

- 1 

- 1 

Methodists - - - - 

- 13 

- 12 

Moravians - - - - 

- 1 

- 1 

Mount Zion ... 

- 1 

- 1 

Presbyterians - - - 

- 17 

- 15 

Reformed Dutch - - 

- 2 

- 3 

Roman Catholics - - 

- 4 

- 4 

Scots Presbyterians - 

- 1 

- 1 

Swedenborg-ians - - 

- 1 

- 2 * 

Swedish Lutherans - 

- 1 

- 1 

Cniversalists - - - 

- 2 

- 2 

Unitarians - - - - 

- 1 

- 1 

Evang-clical Society - 
Prison fdiapel - - - 

Orphan’s Asylum 
Widow’s Asylum 
Mag-dalen Asylum 

- 4 

- 1 
- 1 
- 1 
- 1 

88* 

77 


• The number of places of worship in New York, in 1823, according to 
a statement published in the newspapers of that city, signed Jacob J. 
Roome, was 83. _ ... 

The number of places of worship in Baltimore, in 1823, according to the 
official map of that city, was 38. 


E2 







58 


HEIIGIOUS IXSTITUTI03TS. 


Societies for the Promotion of Religion and Morality, &c. 

The number of these praiseworthy institutions is very great, 
and their usefulness very extensive. A list of the names mere¬ 
ly, would occupy more space than can be conveniently allot¬ 
ted to them. The following catalogue, therefore, embraces 
only the principal associations:— 

The Philadelphia Bible Society. 

The Female Bible Society. 

The Marine Bible Society. 

The Apprentices’ Bible Society. 

The Auxiliary Bible Society. 

The Young Men’s Bible Society. 

The Episcopal Missionary Society. 

The Evangelical Society for promoting Christianity among 
the Poor in the subm'bs of Philadelpliia. 

The Baptist Missionary Society. 

The Board of Missions of the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

The Philadelphia Missionaiy Society, auxiliary to the Board 
of Missions. 

The Philadelphia Missionary Society, auxiliaiy to the United 
Foreign Missionary Society. 

The Young Men’s Missionary Society. 

Tlie Female Missionary Society. 

The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The Common Prayer Book Society. 

The Episcopal Society for the advancement of Clmistianity 
in Pennsylvania. 

The Episcopal Female Tract Society. 

The Religious Historical Society. 

The Mosheim Society. 

The Female Society for educating the Heathen. 

The Education Society for preparing Young Men for the 
Ministry. 

The Philadelphia Auxiliary Society for meliorating the 
condition of the Jews. 

The Philadelphia Auxiliaiy Colonization Society. 

The Pennsylvania Peace Society. 

The Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of Public 
Economy. 


BEIIGIOrS IXSTITtJTIONS. 


50 


Annexed to the Associate Church in Walnut street, is a 
Theological Seminary for the purpose of educating" young 
men for tlie ministry. Lectures, elementaiy and critical, on 
tlie Hebrew language, on divinity, chronology, &c. are an- 
nually given. 


PART VI. 

CHARITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS AND 
SOCIETIES. 

Institutions for the relief of the unfortunate, the jjoor, the 
sick, the maimed, the helpless, and the miserable, abound in 
Philadelphia. Philanthropy is here almost tlie ruling pas¬ 
sion, and justifies the appellation given to the city by its 
benevolent founder. There is reason to believe, that the 
amount given annually in Philadelphia for charitable purposes, 
is greater than in any other city of equal population in the 
world. Besides the public assessments for the support of 
the poor, which amount to an enormous sum annually, and 
die private benefactions to paupers, charity and relief are 
distiibutcd through an hundred channels to those who re¬ 
quire it; and there is scarcely any form of human evil which 
will not find an antidote or a remedy prepared for it. It is 
not easy to ascertain how much money is annually expended 
by the citizens of Philadelpliia on ])ui’poses of beneficence, 
but it is probable that it does not fall short of six hundred 
thousand dollars. 

At the head of the public establishments for the relief of 
misfortune, is the PF.N>'syLVANiA Hospital, an institution, 
which, in respect to the wisdom of its system and excellence 
of its management, has no superior in any part of the world. It 
w'as founded in the year 1750, and owed its birth principally 
to the exertions of Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. 
For the first four years the managers occupied a hired house 
in Market street; but in 1755, the east wing of the present ele¬ 
gant building was erected, and the institution established there. 
'I’he western wing was built in 1796, and the centre building 



60 


chahitable and humaxe ixstitutioxs. 


finished in 1804. The house, in its present form, with its vari¬ 
ous appendant buildings, occupies the entire square between 
Elg-hth, Ninth, Spruce, and Pine sti’eets, and has its principal 
front on the latter street. It consists of a square central build¬ 
ing, united by edifices eighty feet by twenty-seven and thirty- 
four respectively to two wings running north and south, and 
parallel with the sides of the original square, in length one 
hundred and ten feet. For the pvu-pose of ventilation, have 
been procured the lots of ground which smTOund the hospital 
on three sides, and which are kept open. The easternmost 
section of the building, from the central edifice, including the 
wing, is devoted to medical and surgical patients. The cen¬ 
tral building is occupied by the libraiy, the apothecaiy’s shop, 
the steward’s rooms, &,c.; and in the third story is an elegant 
amphitheatre for surgical operations and lectures, illuminated 
by a skylight. The west end is exclusively devoted to the 
lunatics, for whose separate use there is an enclosed space of 
gi'ound, where they enjoy air and exercise. In a line with 
the eastern wing, and on the north side, is situated a lock 
hospital, three stories in height, neatly built, and capable of 
containing fifty patients. The inmates of the hospital are either 
paupers, or such as pay for their board and attendance. The 
number of the former averages from eighty to one hundred. 
The lunatic department contains about ninety patients, of 
whom about one third are females. The system pursued to¬ 
wards these unfortunate persons is admirably adapted to pro¬ 
mote their comfort or cure. Chains are seldom used, and 
they are now mostly of leather: blows are never inflicted. 
Many have the liberty of the house, and are employed in 
some occupation which amuses the mind; and all are allowed 
exercise in the open air. In the eastern wing is an uncom¬ 
monly fine lying-in ward, for maiTied women. The library 
belonging to the institution contains about 7000 volumes, 
many of them rare and costly. The hospital affords an ad- 
mii’able practical school of medicine, and has thereby contri¬ 
buted greatly to the advancement and present splendid repu¬ 
tation of the Philadelphia medical lectures. Upward of 150 
students have annually, for many years past, attended this in- 
firmaiy. The affairs of the institution are managed by twelve 
persons, annually elected, who choose eight physicians and 
surgeons. Two managers, a physician, and surgeon, attend 
regularly on Wednesday and Saturday of each week, Admis- 


CHATIITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS. 61 

sions are obtained by a certificate from a physician or surgeon, 
a note of security for the necessary expenses of clothing, &c., 
and by an order of a manager. In case of recent accidents, 
the patient is admitted without any preliminary" order or se¬ 
curity, The funds of the institution ai-ise from the interest 
on its capital stock, which amounts to about $142,000; from 
the exhibition of a painting by Benjamin West, presented by 
him to the institution, the profits of which average about 
$1600 per annum; and from the board of pay patients, which 
average about $30,000 per annum. AVith these means, from 
210 to 250 patients (including paupers) ai’e maintained at one 
time in the house. 

The present officem are—Samuel Coates, Thomas Stew- 
ardson, 'Fhoinas P. Cope, Joseph Watson, Israel Cope, Tho¬ 
mas Moms, Alexander Elmslie, Matthew L, Bevan, Joseph 
Johnson, Roberts Vaux, Charles Roberts, William AV, Fisher, 
Managers; Joseph S. Lewis, Treasurer. 

The Dispensaries. 

These valuable institutions are destined to afford medical 
a.ssistance to tlie poor and needy at their own houses. It is 
obvious that there must be many, the situation of whose do¬ 
mestic aflau*s prevents their entering a hospital; and there 
ai-e many others, whom an excusable pride deters from a 
public exhibition of their miseiy and wants. To such, an 
institution like the Dispensary must prove a signal blessing; 
and it cannot be doubted, that many valuable lives are saved 
to the community by its operation. The objects of its cha¬ 
rity are the indigent sick of eveiy description, and in eveiy 
disease. Those who are unable to go abroad, are visited 
at their own houses; but those who can come out, attend at 
the Dispensary, where the physicians prescribe for them at 
stated times. * There are three institutions of tliis nature in 
Philadelphia. 

1. The Fhiladelphia, or Central Dispensary^ established in 
1786, wJiich occupies a neat and commodious building, erect¬ 
ed for the purpose in ISOl, and situated in Fifth street, be¬ 
tween Chesnut and AValnut, opposite to the City Square, 
'rhe number of patients under the cai-e of this institution, 
from December 1, 1822, to December 1, 1823, was 5041, of 
whom 4713 were cured, and only 101 died. The receipts 


62 


CHARITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS. 


during that period amounted to $2047 74 cts., and the ex¬ 
penses fully equalled the means of the society. The present 
officem ai'e—William AVhite, D. D., President,• Joseph M. 
Paul, Treasurer; aqd eleven managers. There are eight 
atttending physicians and surgeons, and four consulting phy¬ 
sicians and siu’geons. 

2. The Northern Dispensary was established in 1816, and 
is, for the present, located in a private building at No. 373 
North Front street. During the year 1823, 1508 patients 
were under the care of this institution, of whom 1395 re¬ 
covered. Its income is very inconsiderable. The animal 
contributions for 1823, amounted to only $56, while tlie ex¬ 
penses were about $450. The deficiency was made up by 
donations. There are twelve managers, four attending phy¬ 
sicians, and four consulting physicians. President, Rev. 
Cleorge Royd; Newe/ar?/, Dr. Alexander Knight; Treasurer, 
John Barclay. 

3. The Southern Dispensary, established in 1816, is situ¬ 
ated on the south side of Shippen street, between Tliird and 
Fourth streets. The number of patients attended to during 
the year 1823, was 2869. Its receipts duiing 1823 amounted 
to about $1000, while its expenditures were about $1600. 
I'he increased expenses of the Dispensaries in 1823, arose 
from the unusual prevalence of epidemic fevers. The officers 
of the Southern Dispensary are—Charles Penrose, President; 
Robert M’Mullen, Treasurer; Peter Williamson, Secretary; 
and ten managers. There are six attending physicians and 
surgeons. 

The Public Mms-IIouse. 

The Alms-IIouse, or House of Employment, established by 
law for the reception of the poor, is situated on the square 
between Spruce and Pine, I'enth and Eleventh streets, and 
comprises a very extensive range of buildings. The estab¬ 
lishment is under the direction of nine managers, appointed 
by the guardians of poor. In 1810, the average number of 
paupers suppoiled and employed in the Alms-llouse, was 


Men . . . 526 

AVomen . . 385 

Children . 383* 


Total . . 1294 


* Two hundred and twelve of the children were at nurse out of the 
house. 



CIIAniTABLE AXD HtTXAXE IXSTlTUTrOXS. 


63 


The sum expended for their support was $50,761 87 cts., 
being- about, $39 for each pauper. The tax levied in 1811 
for the support of the poor of the city and county, including- 
tliose in the Alms-House, was $83,000. 

In 1823, the average number of ])aupers in the Alms-House 
was 1225; besides whom, 180 children were mainhiined at 
the Asylum in Fifth street. 

'Fhe sum expended for the support of the paupers in the 
Alms-House in 1823, was about $52,000, being for each 
pauper about $42. The tax levied on the city and county 
in 1823, for the support of the poor, was about $120,000. 

In 1820, the manag-ers established an Asylum for the cliil- 
dren of the poor distinct from the Alms-House, in a large 
building on Fifth street, below Prime street, in Southwark, 
which they have since purchased. The good effects of this 
change upon the health ajid morals of the children, are very 
perceptible. 

At the Alms-House there is an Infirmaiy, and clinical lec¬ 
tures are delivered to the medical class during the winter, by 
the professors of tlie medical school. There are two gradu¬ 
ates, and four medical students, who reside in the house; and 
four surgeons, fom- physicians, and two accoucheiu-s, attached 
to the institution, ilesident students pay an initiation fee of 
two hundred dollars, and are boarded and lodged in the house 
for one year. Medical students pay ten dollars for a ticket 
to attend the practice of the Infirmary, and have the use of 
the library, containing between 2 and 3000 volumes. 

Most of the meclianical occupations are pursued within the 
walls of the institution by tliose who are able to work, and a 
portion of the exjjenses of the institution is defrayed by the 
proceeds of their labour. A tread wheel, for grinding grain, 
has recently been introduced. 

• Hie Friends’ Ahns-IIousey 

Is situated in Walnut street, on the south side, between 
I’hird and Fourth streets. I^his interesting establishment is 
devoted by the society of Friends to tlie support or comfort 
of their own poor. Tlie building forms a hollow square, and 
consists of a number of small rooms, each opening on a lot 
of ground, which is appropriated to the cultivation of herbs 
and other vegetables. Nothing can be more judicious than 
tlie plan and inanag-ement of tliis institution, wliich, without 


64 


chahitable and humane institutions. 


altog'ether depriving' its inmates of the feeling of indepen¬ 
dence, provides for disease and declining years a refuge and 
maintenance. 

Orphan Asylum^ 

Instituted by a society of ladies, in 1814, to provide for the 
support and education of poor children deprived of their 
]>arents. The Asylum is superintended by twenty-four ma¬ 
nagers, chosen annually by the contributors, who pay each 
two dollars per annum. A payment of thirty dollars creates 
a membership for life. The lot of gi’ound on which the Asy¬ 
lum stands, at the north-east corner of Cheny street and^ j 
Schuylkill Fifth street, was presented to the institution by i 
Messrs. Ralston, Archer, Richards, and Wetherill; and a ^ 
building was erected in 1817. On the morning of the 24th i 
of January, 1822, this building was consumed by an accident¬ 
al fire, and twenty-three of the little inmates perished. The 
sensibility of the citizens of Philadelphia was awakened by 
this lamentable occiUTence, and private subscriptions to the 
amount of nearly 28,000 dollars were obtained, which, with 
a liberal gi'ant of 5000 dollai’S by the Legislature of Penn¬ 
sylvania, enabled the managers to rebuild the edifice. The 
present building, standing on the site of the former, has been 
constructed with a view to security from fire; and the ar¬ 
rangements for the convenience of the inmates are veiy' judi- : 
cious. During the year 1823, fifteen ctiildren were admitted, 
four were bound out, and two died, lea\ing in the Asylum I 
eighty orphans. The income of the institution, during that 
year, from the permanent fund was $ 1616, and the annual 1 
contribution from 500 subscribers, $ 1000, while the expenses | 
of the family amounted to $3526 25 cts. ; from which it ! 
appears, that the necessity still exists for a continuance of that 
charity which has heretofore been so.liberally dispensed. t, 

The institution is under the care of two dlrecti’esses, a . 
secretai’y, ti’easm’er, and twenty-four managers, elected an¬ 
nually. The officers for 1824 are—Mrs. Maria Dorsey, First 
Directress; Mrs. Letitia Buchanan, Second Directress; Mrs. . 
H. Mai’koe, Treasurer; Miss Gratz, Secretary. 

St. Josephs Orphan Asylum, 

An institution for the education and support of orphans of ( 
Catholic parents, was incorporated in 1807. The Asylum is in 





CHAH1TAHLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS. 


65 


Sixth street, near Spruce, adjoining- the Church of the Holy 
Trinity. Seventy-three oiphans have received support and edu¬ 
cation from tills institution since its establishment, twenty-eight 
of whom are at present in the Asylum, under the care of Sis- 
tem of Charity, who receive no compensation for their services. 
The institution is supported by donations and annual sub¬ 
scriptions. Its officei's are—Kev. Michael Hurley, President; 
John Keating, Sen. Vice-President; Rev. Francis Roloff, 
Chaplain; Antliony Groves, Treasurer; and Joseph Snyder, 
ISecretary. 

The Asylum for Indigent Widmvs and Single Women^ 

Was instituted in 1817 by a society of ladies, and provides 
a comfoi-table home and a decent maintenance for females in 
reduced circumstances. The Asylum is a neat substantial 
brick building, on Chei’ty sti’eet, between Schuylkill Fiftli 
and Sixtli sti-eets. The income derived from annual contri¬ 
butions and life subscriptions, is about $ 2000; and the num¬ 
ber of inmates is about twenty-five. The government of the 
institution is vested in a first and second directi-ess, a ti’ea- 
surer, secretary, aiid twenty-foiu’ managei-s, who are chosen 
annually. The present officers are—Mrs. Martha Duncan, 
First Directress; Mrs. Mary Yorke, Second Directress; Mrs. 
Mai-y Hodge, Treasurer; Mis. W. L. Hodge, Secretary. 

The Penmylmnia Institution for the Deaf and Dumhy 

Was established in 1820, for the benevolent purpose of 
educating and imparting knowledge to this unfortunate class 
of pei-sons. In the following year, it was incorporated by the 
Legislature, who liberally granted the sum of 8000 dollai’s, 
and directed that the sum of 160 dollai-s should be annually 
paid, for foiu- yeai-s, by the state treasiu’er, for each indigent 
pupil taught in the school, provided that tlie annual payment 
to tlie institution should not exceed 8000 dollars. The building 
at present occupied by the pupils is that larg-e and convenient 
edifice at the corner of Eleventh and Market streets. The 
foundation of a building intended for the permanent seat of 
the institution was laid in June, 1824, at the corner of Broad 
and Pine streets. Besides the cai’e of tlie intellectual and 
moral education of the pupils, the managers of this noble 
institution have exerted themselves to instmet them in useful 
branches of manufacture, that they may be qualified on leav- 
F 


66 CHARITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS. 

ing the Asylum to maintain themselves in honest Industry. 
The profits derived by the institution from the manufacture 
of different articles, diu’ing the year 1823, amounted to $151 
70 cts. The number of pupils in the institution, on tlie 
18th of June, 1824, was seventy-six; and the expenditure, 
during the year 1823, was about 8500 dollars. The affairs 
of the institution are under the direction of managers, chosen 
annually. The present officers are—Rt. Rev. Bishop White, 
President; Horace Binney, Robei-ts Vaux, Thomas Cadwa- 
lader, and Dr. Chapman, 'Vice-Presidents; H. Williams, Secre¬ 
tary; and John Bacon, Treasurer. 

The Philadelphia Institution for the Deaf and Dumh^ 

Arose from a conti’oversy between the directors of the 
Pennsylvania Institution and Mr. Seixas, the first teacher in 
that establishment, in consequence of which the latter was 
dismissed, and witli the assistance of his friends commenced 
another institution. The school is established at the north-east 
corner of Market and Ninth streets. Its affaii-s are super¬ 
intended by a board of managers annually chosen, and it is 
supported by private conti’ibutions. In 1823, the legislature 
of the state granted one thousand dollars to the institution. 
The number of pupils at present is twelve. The officers for 
1824 are—Robert Patterson, President; Samuel Richards, 
Moses Levy, Vice-Presidents; Hemy Simpson, Secretary; 
William Lippincott, Treasurer, 

Christ Church Hospitaf 

An institution for the relief and support of aged females of 
the Episcopal Church, was founded by Dr. John Kearsley, 
formerly an eminent physician of Pliiladelphia, who bequeath¬ 
ed a considerable estate to the rector, wai’dens, and vestry of 
the United Episcopal Chm’ches, for this pmpose. Subse¬ 
quent bequests and conti'ibutions have augmented the funds 
of this valuable chanty, which supplies food, lodging, and 
medical attendance to about sixteen females. The institution, 
which was for a long time established at No. Ill Arch street, 
has recently been removed to a new and convenient building, 
erected for the purpose in Cherry street above T hir d, sixty 
feet in front and forty in depth. 


CHAHITABLE AXD HCl^TAIirE INSTITUTIOXS. 


67 


Eye and Ear Infirmary. 

An Institution under this name was establislied in 1822, 
and promises to be extensively useful to the poor. It is locat¬ 
ed at No. 4 South Seventh street. Tlie number of persons 
under the care of the surgeons, in 1823, was one hundred 
and seventy-six; of whom one hundred and eighteen were 
cured, thirty-one relieved, four were found incurable, the 
result of twelve cases was unknown, and ten remain. The 
managers for 1824 are—James Gibson, W. Meredith, C. N. 
Bancker, M. Eyre, R. C. Wood, T. Keating, G. B. AVood, 
J. K. Kane. 

Lunatic Asylum. 

This institution was established with funds furnished almost 
exclusively by members of the society of Friends belonging 
to the yearly meeting held at Philadelphia, which embraces 
within its limits the eastern part of Pennsylvania, the states of 
New-Jersey and Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maiy- 
land. 

The present site of the Asylum is near Frankford, about 
five miles from Philadelphia, and was purchased in 1814, 
at a cost of about $10,000. The cost of the Asylum, with 
the out-buildings, was about $45,000. The building for the 
reception of patients is of stone, and consists of a centre edi¬ 
fice, three stories high, and about sixty feet square, and two 
wings, each about one hundred feet long, twenty-four feet 
wide, and two stories high. The wings are divided into 
rooms, about nine and a half feet each by ten feet, with a 
passage or hall ten feet in width. Each room has a window, 
and a transom over the door. The 'sashes are of cast iron, 
but resemble wood work so much, that the difference is not 
easily perceived. Several of the rooms are so constructed 
as to admit rarefied air from stoves in the basement story, and 
liaving a ventilator in the ceiling opening into the gaiTet, can 
be made perfectly dark, and have the advantage of heat, 
when necessary to keep patients continually in tliem. 

The house was opened for patients in May, 1817, under 
the du-ection of a board of twenty managers, a committee of 
wliom visit the house weekly. A physician visits the house 
daily, and consulting physicians attend from Philadelphia 
when necessary. Occupation is provided for the patients 


68 


CHARITABLE AND HUSIANE SOCIETIES. 


whenever the state of their minds will admit of it, and one of 
the objects of the institution seems to be to keep from tlie 
minds of the patients any idea of resti-aint or confinement. 

The number of persons admitted into the Asylum since it 
was opened is 141, of whom 

49 are said to have been dischai’ged recovered. 

32 improved. 

8 witliout improvement. 

1 went without consent of his friends. 

19 have died. 

32 remained, on the 8th of March, 1824. 

141 

The expenses dm-ing the year 1823, for the supplies of the 
establishment, amounted to about $3800. 

No persons are admitted as visitors to the apartments occu¬ 
pied by tlie patients, unless introduced by a manager. Near 
relations, or particular friends of patients, are excepted from 
this rule. 

The Clerk of the Contributors is Clement Biddle ; the 
Treasurer^ George Vaux. 

Provident Society, 

This valuable institution, from which the gi’eatest public 
benefit may be anticipated, was established for the piu’pose 
of enabling persons in indigent circumstances to support 
themselves by their own industry; Its o’perations commenced 
in February, 1824. During the first eight weeks of its exist¬ 
ence, it gave emplojinent to 1400 persons, the greater part 
of whom performed the work given out to them at their own 
houses. The house of industry, established by this society, 
is in Market street, a short distance west of the Centre Stpiare. 
One of the rooms is devoted to the instruction of children in 
the profitable business of manufacturing straw into hats, 8cc. 
while in the intervals of laboui’ they are instructed in reading 
and writing. 

Female Society for the relief and Employment of the PooTy 

Was instituted in the year 1793, and affords employment 
to industrious females. A house of industry has been esta¬ 
blished by this society, in which they employ poor women 
in spinning wool and flax. The females thus employed i\;- 


ClIAniTABLE AXl) HUMANE SOCIETIES. 


69 


ceive food and wag“es from the society, and the produce of 
their labour is sold at the wai’ehouse of the society for tlie 
benefit of their funds. 

Female Hospitable Society, 

Another benevolent institution for the relief and employ¬ 
ment of the poor, was instituted in 1809. Its purposes and 
objects are similar to those of the last-named society, except¬ 
ing* that the Hospitable Society gives employment to poor 
females at their own homes. The city is divided into districts, 
each of which is allotted to a committee of memliers, who 
attend to the sick or afflicted in tlie quarter assigned to them. 
'I’he ware-room of the institution is at No. 1 Apjiletree alley; 
and the society have for sale, at No. 54 North Fourth street, 
cotton, flax, and woollen yarn, sewing thread, sheets, table 
linen. See. manufactui'ed by the poor. 

The Saving Fund Society, 

An admirable institution forthe prevention of pauperism, 
possessing all the advautag'es without the inconvenience and 
risk of the mutual benefit societies, was incorporated on the 
25th of February, 1819, and authorized to receive deposits to 
an amount not exceeding 300,000 dollars. The offlee of the 
institution is in a private building on the west side of Decatm* 
street, between Carpenter and Mai'ket streets; and is open 
to receive deposits on the Monday and 7'hursday afternoons 
of eacli week. No deposits of a larger sum tlian 500 dollars 
in one year, from one person, can be received. 13y a recent 
Act of Assembly, the amount of capital fund has been extend¬ 
ed to 600,000 dollars. 'I’he aflairs of the institution are ma¬ 
naged by twenty-five directors. 

'Fhe total amount of deposits received since the commence¬ 
ment of the society, is $676,856 43 cts.; and the amount in¬ 
vested in mortgages, stock, &c. on the 1st of January, 1824, 
was $331,885 89 cts. 

The Saving Fuel Society, 

Is similar in its objects to the last named association. It 
affords an opportunity for the poor to provide themselves 
with fuel in the inclement part of the winter, at a moderate 
cost, by tlie payment of a small sum per week dui'ing tlie 
F2 


70 


CHATIITABLE AXD HUMANE SOCIETIES. 


summer and autumn. The wood is purchased by the society 
when it is cheapest in the market, and deposited in conveni¬ 
ent places, whence it is drawn out by the contributors, ac¬ 
cording to the amount of their payments. A great saving’ of 
money is tlms made to the poor, who in severe winters are 
often obliged to pay enormous prices for wood. The institu¬ 
tion w'as established in 1821. In the winter of 1821-2, the 
society furnished to the conti’ibutoi’s oak wood at $ 4 64 per 
cord, when the price charged for similar wood on the wharves 
was $9 per cord. Deposits not exceeding $20 for any one 
lamily, may be made at any of the oftices established by 
the society, which are fourteen in number. The officers 
are—Robert Ralston, President; I'homas Rogers and Acpiila 
/V. Browne, Vice-Presidenis; George Ileyl, Secretary; and 
Lindsey Nicholson, IVeasurer. 

Soup Societies. 

Several associations have been formed in Philadelphia and 
its vicinity, for the supply of the ])oor witli nourishing soup 
during the winter. The necessary funds are supplied by small 
annual contributions of benevolent persons. 

Humane Society, 

Established in 1780 for the aid of pemons whose vital func¬ 
tions are suspended in consequence of di’owning, suffocation, 
&c. For the purpose of recovering the bodies of drowned 
persons, drags are placed at all the fei ries and places of pub¬ 
lic resort on the Delaware and Schuylkill, with the usual 
apparatus and medicines. The society has also offered pre¬ 
miums for the best dissertations on the means of restoring to 
life persons apparently dead by drowning. Many valuable 
lives have been saved by the exertions of this society. The 
expenditure is about $400 per annum. The officers are— 
Joseph Crukshank, President; J. W. Moore, Secretary; 
Joseph P. Horner, Treasurer. 

Magdalen Society, 

Instituted in 1800, Its objects are, ** to aid in restoring to 
the paths of virtue those unhappy females who have been 
robbed of their innocence, and are desirous of returning to a 
life of rectitude. ” The objects of the solicitude of the society 
axe maintained in an asylum, pmchased for die institution, at 


CHAniTABLE AXD HUMAXE SOCIETIES, 


n 


tlie comer of Race and Schuylkill Second streets. The offi¬ 
cers are—Bishop White, President; Robert Ralston, Vice- 
President; Thomas Mitchell, Secretary; and James Cresson, 
Treasurer; Chairman of the Manag^Sy Alexander Henry. 

The Vaccine Society 

Was established in 1809, for the pui*pose of vaccinating 
the poor at tlieir respective dwellings, free of expense. I'lie 
physicians who pertbrm the operation are paid by the society 
for their services, and the expenses are defrayed by an annual 
contribution of two dollai-s by each member. 

Society for the Relief of the Children of the Poor,. 

A very praiseworthy institution, under this name, was esta¬ 
blished in 1819, for the relief of infants afflicted with the 
diseases incident to them in the summer season. An airy 
situation was obtained at the City Hospital in Penn Township, 
to which the parents of such children have access, and are 
there provided with food and medicines. 

The Philadelphia Society for alleviating the Miseries of Public 
Prisons. 

A society, contemplating similar purposes, was fonned 
just before the lievolutionaiy AVar, but its operations were 
interrupted by the stmggle for independence. In the year 
1787, the present institution was organized. Its title would 
imply only the employment of benevolent offices toward the 
suffiering inmates of prisons; but, wliilst it has always extend¬ 
ed rehef to offenders against the laws, tlris society enjoys the 
honourable distinction of having successfully laboured until 
it witnessed a reformation in tlie penal code of Pennsylvania. 
AVhen it began its work of beneficence, the jails of Pennsyl¬ 
vania presented a melancholy spectacle. Prisonera of botli 
sexes, and of all ages, the long transgi-essing culprit and the 
novnee in crime, the accused and the convicted, promiscuous¬ 
ly associated together. The pillory and whipping-post were 
resorted to, to degi’ade rather than to reform offenclers found 
guilty of minor offences; whilst tlie awful punishment of 
ileath was the penalty of all the liigher order of crimes. The 
reverse of this now distinguishes Pennsylvania; her example 
has excited the notice of remote nations, and efforts are mak¬ 
ing to profit by that example. 


72 


CHAHITABLE AXD HUMANE SOCIETIES- 


The Rt. Rev. Bishop White is President of this society;— 
Roberts Vaiix and Bfirtholomew Wistar, the committee of 
con’cspondence, to whom application may be made by stran¬ 
gers for further information. 

Abolition Society. 

“ The Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of 
Slavery f the relief of free Negi'oes unlawfully held m bondage, 
and for improving the co7idit.ion of the African race,^’ was 
formed in the year 1774, enlai’ged m 1787, and incorpomted 
in 1789. Among those who first associated for the promo¬ 
tion of these just and generous purposes, was Bene/.et, tlie 
philanthropist; and, subsequently to the close of his labours, 
Franklin- and Pemberton, liush and Wistar, have contributed 
their talents and influence to the same laudable objects. 

The chief end of the original institution, the abolition of 
slavery in Pennsylvania, having been accomplished, the society 
now directs its attention to the moral culture and mental ele¬ 
vation of the descendants of the long degraded African, sup¬ 
porting and supeinntending elementary schools in w’hich co¬ 
loured children are gratuitously instructed. I'he efforts of 
the society are also exerted in vindicating the rights of free 
negroes, who arc sometimes fraudulently claimed as slaves by 
unworthy individuals, and but for such interposition, would fall 
a prey to avarice and all the evils of servitude. The president 
of the society at this time is IVilUam Rawle, Esq. The schools 
are held in a plain neat building, erected for the purpose, on 
Cherry sfreet, between Sixth and Seventh sti’eets. 

Masonic Societies. 

A Grand Lodge of “ ISIoderns” appears to have existed in 
Philadelphia so early as 1732. In 1743, Thomas Oxnard was 
appointed Provincial Grand Master of all North America; and 
in 1749, Benjamin Franklin received the appointment of Pro¬ 
vincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania. The first Grand Lodge 
of “Ancient York Masons,” was held in 1761. Since that 
period vai’ious subordinate lodges have been established in 
the city and throughout the state. In 1809, a large and com¬ 
modious edifice on the north side of Chesnut street, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets, was erected for the accommoda¬ 
tion of the different lodges. This building, more remark- 


CHARITABLE AND HUMANE SOCIETIES. 


73 


able for its size than its architectui’al beauty, was in a great 
part destroyed by an accidental fire in 1818, but rebuilt in 
the same year. The present officers of the Grand Lodg-e 
are—John B. Gibson, Esq., R. JV. Grand Master; James 
Harper, Deputy G. M.; Thomas Kittera, Senior G. Warden; 
Samuel Badg'er, Junior G. Warden; Bernard Dalil^en, G, 
Secretary; Joseph S. Lewis, G. Treasurer. 


Besides the institutions of which a brief account has been 
given, there are in Philadelphia upwards of one hundi-ed and 
fifty societies,—for even the names of wliich we have not 
room,—wliich afford to their members, or to strangers, assist¬ 
ance, relief, comfort, or protection. Most of them are mutual 
benefit societies, associations of tradesmen and mechanics for 
the support of each other in sickness and infirmity. The 
joint stock is commonly derived from weekly or other pay¬ 
ments of small sums by the members. There are also among 
tliis number several societies for the relief of foreigners in 
disti’ess. Such ai’e the German Society, the Society of St. 
Andi'ew, the St. George’s Society, &c. 

Franklin Fund. 

Among the charities of Philadelphia, may perhaps be enu- 
memted the bequest made by Dr. Franklin to tlie corporation 
of the city, for the purpose of lending small sums “ to such 
young unmanned artificei’s, under tlie age of twenty-five years, 
as have served an apprenticeship in the city, and faithfully 
fulfilled the duties requhed in their indentures.” The legacy 
amounted to $ 4444 44 cts., or £ 1000 sterling. No loan to 
one pei’son is to exceed £60, nor to be less than £ 15. The 
interest paid by the boiTower is five per cent., and he is re¬ 
quired to give a bond, with two sui’eties, for the repayment 
of the money. I'he present amount of the fund, including 
interest due, is $ 17,596, being an increase of $ 13,152. Dr. 
Franklin calculated, that at the end of one hundred years it 
would amount to £ 131,000 sterling, or §581,640, of which he 
recommended that £ 100,000 should be applied to public pur- 
])oses, and the balance of £31,000 left to accumulate for ano- 
tlier centuiy', at the end of which period he supposed that it 
Avould amount to upwards of four millions of pounds sterling, 
or upwards of seventeen millions of dollais, wliich is to be 


74 


CHARITABLE AND HrMANE IXSTITrTIOKS. 


divided between the inhabitants of Philadelphia and the gov¬ 
ernment of Pennsylvania. 

The sum of three thousand dollai's, United States three per 
cents., was bequeathed to the coi’poration for the same pur¬ 
poses, by John Scott, a citizen of Philadelpliia. 

Bequests to the Poor of Philadelphia. 

Several funds have been created by benevolent persons for 
the relief of the poor. 

1 . “ The Fund far supplying the necessitous Poor with 
Fuel” has arisen from legacies given by different persons, 
and consists of $1932 88cts. United States’ three per cents., 
two shares of the stock of the Bank of Pennsylvania, and fifty 
shares of the City Loan; the interest of which b annually dis¬ 
tributed in wood. 

2. The Fund for the relief of persons in the City Hospital, 
during the existence of Yellow Fever, was created by a legacy 
of £1000, given for the ptu-pose by John Bleakley, Esq., by 
his will, dated the nineteenth of April, 1802. 

3. The Fund for supplying the Poo)' with Bread, arises 

from bequests made by \\ ilbmi Carter and -Petty, of 

one hundred dollars each, the interest of which is laid out in 
bread, which is annually distributed by the guardians of tlie 
poor among the necessitous. 

One of the greatest benefactors of the public charities of 
Philadelphia was John Keble, who derived his own education 
from the charity of the “ Blue-Coat Hospital” of London. 
By his will he bequeathed the residue of his estate, amount¬ 
ing to $103,114, to the Episcopal ministers of Philadelphia, 
to be distributed to pious and charitable purposes, according 
to their judgment. 



( 75 ) 


PART VII 


COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS—RANKS, INSURANCE 

COMPANIES, CUSTOM-HOUSE, INSPECTIONS, &c. 

Of the Banking Institutions in Philadelphia, tlie most con¬ 
siderable is the 

Bank of the United States, 

Which was established by Act of Congress, on the 10th 
day of Apiil, 1816, and cliaitcred until the 3d day of March, 
1836. I'he bonus to the Government was 1,500,000 dollars. 

Its capital is 35,000,000 dollars, divided into 350,000 shares 
of 100 dollars each : of these the Government subscribed 
70,000 shai’es, and is therefore one-fifth proprietor of the 
bank. 

The capital is divided between the parent bank at Phila¬ 
delphia, and the dilferent offices of discount and deposit, or 
branches estiiblished in various paits of the Union. The pre¬ 
sent distribution of these branches is as follows:—At Poi'ts- 
moiith in New Hampshire, at Providence in Rhode Island, 
at Boston in Massacluisetts, at Hartford in Connecticut, at 
New York in New York, at Baltimore in Maryland, at Wash¬ 
ington in the District of Columbia, at Riciiinond in Virginia, 
at Norfolk in Virginia, at Fayetteville in North Carolina, at 
Charleston in South Carolina, at Savannah in Georgia, at New 
Orleans in Louisiana, at Lexington in Kentucky, at Louisville 
in Kentucky, at Clnlicothe in Ohio, at Cincinnati in Ohio 
(now in agency), and at Pittsburg in Pennsylvania. 

'I'he stock oV the bank was divided, according to the last 
report made to Congress, in the following manner, on the 
7th of July, 1823;— 


Massachusetts 
Rhode Island 
Connecticut 


Maine 


No. of Shaves. 

7-1-6 

27,837 


New Hampshire 
Vermont 


3,217 

2,361 

832 

132 


Amount caiTied forward, 35,125 






76 


BASKS. 




No. of Shares. 

Amount brought forward, 

35,125 

New York - - - 

- 

- 

40,289 

New Jersey - ' - 

- 


2 ,oir 

Pennsylvania 

- 

- 

37,269 

Delaware . - - 

- 

- 

666 

Maiyland - - - 

- 

- 

38,490 

District of Columbia 

- 

- 

2,432 

Virginia ... 

- 

- 

13,059 

North Carolina 

- 

- 

2,351 

South Carolina 

- 

- 

29,685 

Georgia - - - 

- 

- 

2,817 

Kentucky - - - 

- 

- 

337 

Oliio - • - 

- 

- 

712 

I..ouisiana - - - 

- 

- 

306 

Tennessee - - - 

- 

- 

191 

Residence unknown 

- 

- 

496 

United States’ Navy and Army 

- 

502 

Foreign . - - 

- 

- 

35,017 

President, Directors, & Co. of Bank U. S. 

38,239 

United States of America 

- 

- 

70,000 


350,000 


The general administration of the bank is entrusted to a 
board of twenty-five directors, of whom five are annually ap¬ 
pointed by the President and Senate of the United States, 
and twenty are annually elected by the stockholders. 

The branches are managed by a board of directors, annual¬ 
ly chosen by the parent board, and consisting of from seven 
lo thirteen members. 

The directors of the present year (1824) are— 

Appointed by tlie President and Senate, 

1. Nicholas Biddle, of Pennsylvania. 

• 2. Manuel Eyre, of ditto. 

3. Henry Eckford, of New York. 

4. E. J. Dupont, of Delaware. 

5. John M’Kim, Jun., of Maiyland. 




BAN'RS. 


rr 


Elected by the stockholders, 


1. John Bohlen. 

2. Daniel W. Coxe. 

3. Joshua Lippincott. 

4. R. Whitney. 

5. Thomas Cadwalader. 

6. Richard Willing*. 

7. Alexander Henry. 

8. Joseph Hemphill. 

9. Samuel Wetherill. 
10. Lewis Clapier. 


11. Paul Beck, Jun. 

12. John A. Brown. 

13. Cadwalader Evans, Jun. 

14. John Potter, of So. Car. 

15. Wm. Patterson, of Md. 

16. Roswell L. Colt, of ditto. 

17. Thomas Knox, of N. York- 

18. Daniel C. Verplanck, do. 

19. James Lloyd, of Mass. 

20. B. W. Crowninsliield, do. 


The officers are— 


Nicholas Biddle, President. 
Thomas Wilson, Cashier. 

John Andrews, Assistant Cashier. 


The officers of the different branches are— 


Offices. 

Portsmouth^ 
Boston^ - - 
Providence, - 
Hartford, - 
New York, - 
Baltimore, - 
Washington, 
Richmond, - 
Norfolk, - - 
Fayetteville, 
Cmrleston, 
Savannah, - 
New Orleans, 
Hmisville, - 
Lexington, - 
Chilicothe, - 
Pittsburgh, 
Cincinnati, - 


Presidents. 
Edward Cutts, 
Gardner Greene, 
Seth Wheaton, 
Enoch PiU’sons, 
Isaac Lawrence, 
John Donnell, 
I'homas Swann, 
Richard Andei'son, 
George Newton, 
John Huske, 
Joseph Johnson, 
John Gumming, 
John A. Fort, 
.James Hughes, 
Charles Wilkins, 


Cashiers. 

E. Wentworth. 
Samuel Frotliingham. 
N. Waterman, .Jun. 
Joshua P. Burnham. 
Morris Robinson. 
John M hite. 

Richai’d Smith. 
Charles J. Nicholas. 
Luke Wheeler. 

John W. Sandford. 
Peter Bacot. 

James Hunter. 
Charles S. West. 
Edward Shippen. 
James Harper. 


William Creighton, Jr. Abm. G. Claypoole, 
George Stevenson, James CoiTey. 
George M. Jones, Agent. 


Description of the Banking-House. 

This building is formed on the plan of the Parthenon at 
Athens, so far as it could be consistently with the different 
pui'poses for which it is designed, and dispensing of coui’se 
G 


BANKS. 


78 

with the flanking columns, and every appendage of mere 
decoration. 

The ascent to the porticos is by a flight of six steps to a 
ten’ace extending in front of the buihhng, and sixteen feet 
on each flank. On this plationn, being eighty-seven feet in 
front, and one hundred and sixty-one feet in depth including 
the poiticos, the building is erected. In front, steps of mar¬ 
ble lead to the basement, projecting ten feet six inches in 
front of the building, and upon which rise eight Doric co¬ 
lumns, four feet six inches in diameter, and twenty-seven feet 
in height, supporting a plain entablatui-e, and a pediment, 
the veitical angle of which is 153°. 

The door of entrance opens into a large vestibule with cir¬ 
cular ends, embracing the transfer and loan offices on the right 
and left, together with a commodious lobby leading to the 
banking-room. The vestibule ceiling is a prolonged panelled 
dome, ffividcd into three compartments by bands enriched 
with the guilloches springing from a projecting impost con¬ 
taining a sunken frette. The pavement is tesselated with 
American and Italian marble thr oughout. 

The banking-room occupies the centre of the building, 
being forty-eight feet wide, having its lengtli eighty-one feet 
in an east and west direction, and lighted exclusively from 
these aspects. Its leading features present a double range of 
six fluted marble columns, twenty-two inches in diameter, at 
a distance of ten feet each from the side walls, forming a 
screen or gallery for the clerks’ desks, w liich are placed 
witliin the intercolumniations. These columns ai’e of the 
Greek Ionic order, with a full entablature and blocking course, 
on wliich the gi’eat central and lateral ai’ches are supported: 
the central arch, being semi-cylindneal, is twenty-eight feet in 
diameter, eighty-one feet in length, and subdivided into seven 
compartments, with projecting concentric platbands over and 
of equal diameter witli each column, the intervals being en¬ 
riched with square sunken moidded panels: this ceihng is 
thirty-five feet from the floor to the crowm of the arch, and 
is executed with great precision and efl'ect. An Isthmian 
wreath, caiwed in one entii’e block of Pennsylvania white 
marble, sun-ounds the clock face, which occupies the space 
of the first panel over the entablature in tlie centre, the de¬ 
sign of which is copied from the reverse of an antique gem 
found at Corintli, and described by Stuart in his work on the 


BAXKS. 


79 


Antiquities of Atliens. The tellers’ counters are composed 
of marble, forming- panelled pedestals across each end of the 
banking-room, commencing at the first column from each of 
the end walls. 

'rhe stockholder’s room is a ])arallelo,gi’am of twenty-eight 
feet by fifty, being lighted from the portico of the south front, 
having a groin arched ceiling, with projecting platbands, 
enriched with guilloches springing near tire base of the gi-oin 
angle, across the semi-circular intrados of the ai-ch. Each 
end of the room is ornamented whh niciies eight feet wide, 
the heads of which form an architi-ave concentric with the 
semi-circular panels in the tympanum of the shortest diame¬ 
ter. The committee rooms from the stockholders’ open right 
and left, flanked by two flights of marble stairs, leading to 
the clock chamber and other apartments in the second story. 
The private stairway from the banking-room leads to the 
directors’, engravers’, and copperplate printers’ rooms, being 
lighted from the roof. All the internal door-jambs, sills, and 
imposts, are of marble. 

The banking-room is amply waiTned by two cast-iron fur¬ 
naces, lined with fire brick, being simply erected within an 
air chamber, througii which the external atmosphere passes, 
and becomes heated by the furnace : it then rises through 
the arch into a circular cast-iron pedestal, perforated on the 
sides, out of which it is suffered to escape into the room. 

The whole body of the building is arched in a bomb-proof 
manner from the cellar to the roof, which is covered with 
copper. All the groin arches are girdled at the springing line 
with iron sti-aps, passing round within the body of the division 
walls. 

I’he foundation-stone was laid on the 19th day of April, 1819; 
and the whole building will be completely finished in Au¬ 
gust, 1824. 

2. Bank of North America, 

The oldest bank in the United States, was established in 
conse<iuence of the depressed state of the finances of the 
United States, in 1781; and it is believed that its institution, 
and the exertions of Mr. Robert Moms, its originator, saved 
the treasury from becoming publicly banknipt. A charter 
was obtained from Congi’ess in December, 1781; and in April, 
1782, an additional act of incorporation was passed by tlie 


80 


BANKS. 


leg-islature of Pennsylvania. This, however, was repealed in 
1785, owing- to the prejudices of some of the country mem¬ 
bers; but in 1787 a new dialler was granted, which has been 
at different times since renewed. The capital is 800,000 dol¬ 
lars. The banking-house is a plain brick building, recently 
rough-cast, on the north side of Chesnut street, between 
Third and Fourth streets. The discount days ai’e Mondays 
and Thursdays. President^ Ilemy Nixon; Cashier, Henry 
Hollingsworth, 

3. Banh of Pennsylvania, 

Incoi-porated in 1793, for twenty years. In 1810, the char¬ 
ter was renewed for twenty-one years. The capital stock 
is 2,500,000 dollars, of wliich the state holds to the amount of 
1,500,000 dollai’s. Branches of this bank have been establish¬ 
ed at I..ancaster and Easton. I'he directors are in number 
twenty-five, of whom tliree are annually appointed by each 
branch of the legislature, and the remaining nineteen are an¬ 
nually elected by the stockholders. The banking-house of this 
company is in Second sti-eet, between Chesnut and Walnut 
streets. This sti-uctiu-e, from a design by the late Mi’. Latrobe, 
is the most piu’e model of Grecian architecture in this country, 
with the single exception of the Bank of the United States. 
The design is from the temple of the Muses, on the llyssus, 
near Athens, with two Ionic porticos of six columns each, 
supporting entablatiU’eS and pediments. The whole building, 
125 feet by 51, is of white Pennsylvania marble. The bank¬ 
ing-room is circular, suiTOunded by a dome covered with 
marble, and lighted by a lantern in the centre. The stock¬ 
holders’ room opens on the western portico, in front of winch 
is a small but beautiful garden, siuTounded by an iron pali¬ 
sade. The first stone of this classical and gi-aceful stmcture 
was laid in April, 1799, and the whole was finished in 1801. 

The officers of the institution ai’e—Joseph Parker Norris, 
President; Elihu Chauncey, Cas/wer. Discount days, Wed¬ 
nesdays and Saturdays. 

4. Bank of Philadelphia. 

This bank was incorporated in 1804, with a capital of 
2,000,000, of which the state holds upwards of 500,000 dollars. 
The charter was limited to twenty years ; but in 1823, it was 
renewed for sixteen years. Sixteen directors are annually 


BANKS. 


81 


elected by the stockholders, and three are annually appointed 
by each bi’anch of the legnslatirre. Branches of this bank 
have been established at Washington, Hairisburg, and other 
places. The banking-house is at the south-west corner of 
Chcsnut and Fomth streets. It is a neat and coiTect speci¬ 
men of the Gothic style of arcliitecture, and reflects gi'eat 
credit on the taste of Mr. Lati’obe, the architect. "I'he build¬ 
ing is constructed of brick, which has recently been rough¬ 
cast and colom-ed in imitation of marble. 

The officers are—John Read, President; Quiutin Camp¬ 
bell, Cashier. Discount days, Mondays, Wednesdays, and 
Fridays. » 

5. Farmers and Medianics* Bank, 

Incorporated, in 1809, for fifteen years. The charter was 
renewed for twenty years, in 1824. I'he capital is 1,250,000 
dollars. I'here are thirteen directors annually elected by the 
stockholders. A majority of the directors must be fanners, 
mechanics, or manufacturers. The banking-house is a plain 
brick building, recently rough-cast, in Chesnut street between 
Fourth and Fifth streets, and opposite to the bank of the 
United States. 

The officei's are—Joseph Tagert, President; Hemy Kuhl, 
Cashier. Discount days, Tuesdays and Fridays. 

6 . Commercial Bank, 

Incorporated in 1814, with a capital of 1,000,000 dollars. 
The charter was renewed in 1824, for ten years from April 
1825. 'I'he directoi's are annually elected, by the stockhold¬ 
ers. The banking-house is a plain building, No. 102 Chesnut 
.street, between 'I'liird and Fourth streets. 

President, Anffiew Bayard; Cashier, Joseph M'illiams, 
Discount days, 'Fuesdays and Fridays. 

7. Mechanic’s Bank, 

Incorporated in 1814, with a capital of 1,000,000 dollara. 
In 1824, the chailer was renewed for eight years, from April 
1825. 'Fhe directors are annually elected by the stockhold¬ 
ers. 'I'he banking-house is a neat brick building, on the east 
side of 'I’hird .street, between Market and Chesnut streets. 

President, John Rogers; Cashier, Thomas Fitch. Discount 
days, 'Fuesdays and Fridays. 

02 


82 


BANKS. 


8. Schuylkill Bank, 

Incoi'porated in 1814, with a capital of 1,000,000 clollai’s, 
of which 500,000 have been paid in. The charter was ex¬ 
tended, in 1824, to the 1st of May, 1837. The directors are 
annually elected by the stockholders. The banking-house is 
at the south-east corner of Market and Sixth streets.^ 

President, William Meredith; Cashier, H. J. Levis. Dis¬ 
count days, Tuesdays and Fridays. 

9. Ba7ik of the Northern Liberties, 

Incorporated in 1814, with a capital of $200,000. The 
charter was extended to 1835, by an act passed in 1823. 
The directors are annually elected by the stockholders. The 
banking-house is on tlie north side of Vine street, between 
Third and Second sti*eets. 

President, John Barclay; Cashier, D. Mandeville. Discount 
days, Tuesdays and Fridays. 

10. Stephen Girard’s Bank. 

The capital of this bank is supplied entirely by the wealthy 
individual whose name it bears. The banking-house in Third 
street, between Chesnut and Walnut streets, was built for, 
and occupied for many years by the old Bank of the United 
States. It is a spacious building, with a marble front, and a 
portico, with six marble columns of the Corinthian order. 

Cashier, Joseph Ilobeils. Discount days, Wednesdays and 
Saturdays. 

The different banks of Philadelphia are open from nine 
A. M. until three P. M., every day, except Sundays, Clu’ist- 
mas, and the fourth of July. 

Marine Insurance Companies. 

For the insurance of property exposed to the risks of sea 
and fire, several companies have been established in Phila¬ 
delphia. Until within the last thirty years, tliis business was 
usually performed by private underwiiters. An insurance 
office for shipping, is said to have been established so eaily 
as 1720, by John Copson. In 1762, William Bradford opened 
a marine insurance office, which was continued until about the 
revolution. The first company that associated with a joint 
stock for this purpose was incorporated in 1794, under the 
name of the 



IJTSURAirCE COMP AMES. 


83 


hisurance Company of North America. 

The capital of this association is $ 600,000, which is divided 
into sliares of ten dollars each. Besides insurance on vessels 
and carg-oes at sea, property is insured from loss by fire at this 
office. The directors, fifteen in number, are annually elected 
by the stockholders. 

Preddenty John Inskeep. Office, No. 40 Walnut street. 

2. Insurance Company of Pennsylvania^ 

Incoi’porated in 1794, with a capital of $500,000, divided 
into shares of four hundred dollars each. The operations of 
this office are confined to marine risks. Thirteen directors 
are annually elected by the stockholders. 

President^ Daniel Smitli. Office, corner of Second and 
Dock sti-eets. 


3. Union Insurance Company^ 

Incorporated in 1804, with a capital of $500,000, divided 
into shares of one hundi’ed dollars each. 

Presidmly George Latimer. Office, No. 45 Walnut street. 

4. Phoenix Insurance Company, 

Incorporated in 1804, with a capital of $600,000, divided 
into shares of one hundred dollars each. Nine directors are 
annually chosen by the stockholders. 

President, David Lewis. Office, No. 96 South Second 
Street. 


5. Delaware Insurance Company, . 

Incorporated in 1804, with a capital of $500,000, divided 
into shares of one hundred dollars each. There are fifteen 
directors chosen annually by the stockholders, 
j President, Samuel Keith. Office, at the south-east comer 
of Second and Walnut streets. 

! 6. Philadelphia Insurance Company, 

Incorporated in 1804, with a capital of $400,000, divided 
I into shares of one hundred dollars each. Thirteen directors 
I are annually elected by the stockholders. 

! President, John Ashley. Office, at the south-west corner 
I of Second and Walnut sti’ects. 




84 


INSURANCE COMPANIES. 


7. United Staies Insurance Company^ 

Incorporated in 1810, with a capital of $ 400,000, divided 
into shares of fifty dollars each. Thirteen directors are annu¬ 
ally elected by the stockliolders. 

Presidenty Chandler Price. Office, No. 49 Walnut street. 

8.' Marine Insurance Company, 

Incorporated in 1809, with a capital of $300,000, di^dded 
into shares of one hundred dollars each. Thirteen directors 
are annually elected. 

President, John Leamy. Office, No. 47 Walnut street. 


Fire Insurance Companies. 

There are in Philadeljihia four institutions for the insurance 
of property against fire only. Of these the most ancient is 
the 

\ 

1. Philadelphia Contrihutionship, 

Formed so early as 1752. By the “ deed of settlement,” 
which was altered in 1810, all persons insuring with the 
society are deemed members during the continuance of their 
interest in their respective policies, which continue in force 
so long as the premium is left witli the society. The pre¬ 
miums may be withdrawn at any time. 4'his association is 
commonly called the “ Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company,” 
from the device on their badge. Twelve directors, and a 
treasurer, are annually chosen. 

Treasurer, Joseph S. Lewis. Office, No. 25 Dock street. 

2. Mutual Assurance Company. 

This association was fomaed in 1784, in consequence of the 
inconvenience experienced by the refusal of the Contribution- 
sliip Company to insure houses before which trees were 
planted. The principles of the association are the same as 
those of the last mentioned company. Thirteen directors are 
annually chosen by the members. Seci'ctary, John B. Pahner. 
Office, No. 54 Walnut street. , 



INSURANCE COMPANIES. 


85 


3. American Fire Insurance Companyy 

Tncoi*poratecl in 1811 by the leg’islature, witli a capital of 
$500,000, which isdi\nded into shares of one hundred dollars. 
I'lie business of the company is confined to the insurance of 
houses and other property, and of vessels in port. Nine direc¬ 
tors are annually elected. 

Secretary^ William Jones. Office, 101 Chesnut street. 

4. Fire Association of PhiladelpMuy 

Incorporated In 1820, and is composed of the members of 
several of the^ Engine and Hose companies. The directors 
are personally liable for losses arising from insurances, when 
such shall amount to more than the capital stock. 

Treasurevy Caleb Carmalt. Office, 241 Ai’ch street. 

Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and granting 
Annuities. 

This Company was incorporated in 1812, by the legislature 
of the state, with a perpetual charter, and a capital of half a 
million of dollars, Ifmakes all kinds of conti-acts, in which 
the contingencies of life are involved. The following cases 
will show the nature of these contracts, and the advantages 
wliich may be derived from them. 

1. A person aged 30 years, may insure to his heirs $1000, 
in case of liis dying in one year, by paying $18 20 cts. to 
the company; or the same sum may be secured by his cre¬ 
ditors, should they be in danger of sustaining a loss to tliat 
amount by his death. 

2. A person aged 35 years, may insure $ 1000 to his family, 
at his death, whenever that may happen, by paying to the 
company $32 80 cts. annually, during his life. 

3. A person aged 60 years, may secure to himself, during 
his life, au annual income or annuity of $ 100, by paying 
$930 to the company. 

4. A person aged 40 years, may purchase, for $ 285, a de^ 
ferred annuity of $100, payable from the age of 60 years. 

A husband aged 35 years, may seciu'e to his wife aged 30, 
an annuity of $100, to commence at his death, by paying 
$ 23 20 cts. annually to the company, as long as they are both 
living. 

6. A parent may secure to his child a gross sum or endow* 



86 


COMMEHCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 


mmt of $ 1000, payable when the child is of age, by paying 
$ 239 13 cts. to the company at the time of its birth, or 
$ 269 70 cts. when it is one year old. 

The office of the Company is at No. 173 Chesnut street. 
The present officers are—R. M. Patterson, President; and 
Eiigenius Nulty, Actuary, 


Connected with the commerce of Philadelphia are several 
establishments and institutions, which may properly be no¬ 
ticed in this place. 

The Custom House. 

For the transaction of the public business of this establish¬ 
ment, a new building has been erected at the cost of the 
United States, on the west side of Second street, below Dock 
street. The edifice is neat and in good taste. The front of 
the basement story is of marble; the remainder of the exterior 
is of brick. Tn a niche in front of the attic stoiy is a statue 
representing commerce, by Rush. The design of the build¬ 
ing was furnished by Strickland, under whose superintendence 
it was erected. 

7’he principal officers of the customs are—General John 
Steele, Collector; Andrew F.pjiele, Deputy Collector; James 
Glentworth, Surveyor; Samuel Clarke, Naval Officer; John 
Steele, jun. IVeigh-Muster; James Stewart and Samuel Ross, 
Appraisers. 

The desks of tlie clerks, &c. are numbered from 1 to 6, and 
the business done at each desk is as follows: 

No. 1. Examination of inward entries; calculations of duties 
and drawbacks. 

No. 2. Bonds for duties taken and permits issued. 

' No. 3. Cashier, and for tlie entrance and clearance of ves¬ 
sels coastwise. 

No. 4. Exports and debentures. 

No. 5. Record of imports. 

No. 6. Entrance and clearance of vessels from and to foreign 
ports, and for preparing ships’ papers. 

Wardens of tJie Poi t. 

By an act of assembly passed in 1803, the governor is author¬ 
ized to appoint annually one master warden and six assistants. 



COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 


87 


who liave power to grant licenses to pilots, to make rules for 
their government, and to decide questions between them and 
the owners, masters, &c. of vessels; to direct the mooring of 
ships, and the order in which they sliall lie, load, and unload 
at the whai’ves; to determine upon the construction and ex¬ 
tent of wharves, &.c.; and to ordain penalties for the breach 
of their inles. An appeal lies from their decision to the couii: 
of common pleas, provided it be made within six days. 

The wardens for 1824, are—David Maffet, Master War¬ 
den,- Stephen Girard, Bankson Taylor, William AVest, 
Joseph Reynolds, Charles Penrose, and Samuel Volans, 
Assistants. Office, No. 18 Walnut street, between Front and 
Second streets. 

Inspectims. 

For the important purpose of maintaining the high character 
of the produce of Pennsylvania in foreign countries, the legis¬ 
lature has at diderent times since 1727, authorized the appoint¬ 
ment of officers to superintend and inspect various articles of 
exportation. Tlie following is a list of the commodities liable 
to inspection, lieef and pork. Hour, shad and herrings, but¬ 
ter and lard, flax-seed, shingles, lumber, ground black-oak 
bark, domestic distilled spirits. 

Chamber of Commerce. 

In the year 1801, an association of merchants was formed 
under this name, for the purpose, as the preamble stated, 
“ of aiding the trade of the city of Philadelphia, by canying 
into eflect such rules and regulations as may from time to 
time be cstabli.shed witli respect to commerce, and the ad¬ 
justment of mercantile diflerences between each other.” 
The members meet once in each month. I’he officers ai'e a 
president, two vice-presidents, a secretaiy, and a ti’easui’er, 
who are chosen annually on the first Monday of January. 
Monthly committees of five ai’c appointed to adjust and de¬ 
termine mercantile disputes. 

The officers for 1824 are—Robert Ralston, President; 
Henry Pratt and Lewis Clapier, Vice-Presidents; Robert 
Smith, Treasurer; John Vaughan, Secretary. 


88 


COMMERCIAL IXSTITUTIOXS. 


Rates of Commissions^ 

Recommended fm' general adoption^ and allowe ' hy the Phila¬ 
delphia Chamber of Commerce^ when no agr^^ment subsists 
io the contrary^ established at a stated meeting on the IQth 
Marchi 1823. 



Foreig7i. 

Domestic. 


Per 

Per 

( 

Cent. ( 

Cent. 

Merchandise, sales - - 
Purchase and ship¬ 
ment, or accepting 

5 

2i 

bills for purchases 
Landing and reship- 
pins? g-oods from 

n 

2^ 

vessels in distress 
Receiving and for- 


2^ 

warding . 


h 

Besides 



Vessels, sale or purchase 
Procm’ing freight, or 
chartering to pro¬ 
ceed to anotlier 

n 

n 

port - -. 

Collecting freight or 


2^ 

general average - 
Paying outfits or dis¬ 

2^ 

n 

bursements - - - 
Murine Insurances, ef¬ 
fecting when the 
premium does not 

2i 

n 

exceed 10 per cent 
When tlie premium 

1 

h 

exceeds 10 per ct. 
Adjusting and col¬ 
lecting losses with¬ 

5 

5 

out litigation - - - 
Fire Insurances, effect 

2| 

2^ 

ing . 

5 

5 


on gi’oss amount 
on cost and charges 

on current value 

on do. do. 
on responsibilities incurred 
on gross amount 

on do. do.^ 
on amount collected 
on aggi’egate amount 

on amount insured 
on amount of premium 

on amount recovered -- 
on amount of premium 
















eOMMEHCIAL INSTITITTIOXS. 


89 


■ '<v 


I 


Adjusting* and col¬ 
lecting* losses - - 
Foreign and inland 
lailh of Exchange, 
and Notes of Hand 
Drawing* or endors¬ 
ing, and negotiat¬ 
ing, in all cases - 
Purcliase, without en¬ 
dorsing . 

Sale, do. do. 
Collecting - - - 
Paying over the am’t 

Remitting- 

Public Stocksy Specie, 
bank notes or drafts 
not current —sale 
purchase 

Collecting dividends 
on public stock - 
Advances, in money, or 
by coming under 
acceptances, in all 

cases. 

Accounts, collecting dis¬ 
puted or litigated 
accounts, or claims 
on insolvent estates 
Moneys, receiving, from 
which no other 
commission is de¬ 
rived. 

Paying do. do. do. 
Paying and receiv¬ 
ing do. do. do. 
Guarantee, in all cases 
H 


Per 

Cent. 


I 

h 

h 




1 

2i 


Per 

Cent 


h 

i 




5‘ 


on amount recovered 


on the proceeds 

on cost and charges 
on the proceeds 
on amount collected 
on amount paid over 
on amount remitted 


on proceeds 
on cost and charges 


^ on amount collected 


2^ on amount advanced 


on amount recovered 

on amount received 
on amount paid 

on amount received 


2^ on the amount guarantied 




















90 


COlffMEnCIAL IXSTlTUTIOyS. 


On bills remitted for collection under protest for non-ac¬ 
ceptance or non-payment, half commission to be cliargcd. 

On consignment of merchandise, withdrawn or re-shipped, 
full commission to be cliarged to the extent of. advances or 
responsibilities incuiTed, and lialf commission on the cuiTent 
value of the residue. 

On sales of merchandise originally consigned to another 
house but withdrawn, and where no responsibilities ai’e in- 
cuiTed, only half commission to be charged on the current 
value. 

The current value, in all cases, to be settled by certificates 
of two respectable merchants, auctioneers or brokers. 

The above commissions to be exclusive of guarantee, bro¬ 
kerage, storage, and every other charge actually incurred. 

The risk of loss by fire, unless insurance be ordered, and 
of robbery, theft, and other unavoidable occurrences, if the 
usual cai’e be taken to secure the property, is in all cases to 
be borne by the proprietor of the goods. 


Rates of Storage^ chargeable per month, in cents. 


Almonds - 
Do. 

Alum 

Do. - 
Do. 

Ashes - - . 

Bagging - - 

Bai’k, Q,uerciti’on - 
Beef 
Bottles 
Brandy 
Bristles 
Butter 
Candles 
Cassia 
Do. - 
Chocolate 

Cloves and Nutmegs 
Coals 
Cocoa 
Do. 

Do. 


25 per hogshead 
6 per bag 
25 per hogshead 
12| per tierce 
5 per bag 
6^^ per baiTel 
1^ per piece 
30 per hogshead 
6d per ban-el 
8 per gross 
25 per pipe 
25 do. 

1^ per firkin 
per box 
6i do. 

per mat 
1^ per box 
8 per case 
per bushel 
2 per bag 
20 per hogshead 
12^ per tierce 




C01VI>rT:ilCIAL TXSTTTCTIOXS. 


91 


Codfish 

Do. 

Coffee 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Copper, 

Do. 


m pig-s, - 
in sheets or bolts 


- 25 

2 

- .20 

12 ^ 

- 5 

2 

- 15 
20 


per hog*sheacl 
per box 
per hog-shead 
per tierce 
per barrel 
per bag 
per ton 
do. 


Do. brazier’s bottoms 


50 do. 

Copperas ' 

- 

- 

25 per hogshead 

Cordage 

Cotton, round 



37^ per ton 

15 per bale 

Do. square t 

Do. E. India 


- 

12^ do. 

8 do. 

Dry Goods, in boxes 

or bales 

1 per cubic foot 

Duck 

. 

. 

. 1 per bolt 

Earthenware 

Do. 

. 


15 per crate 

25 per hogshead 

Fish, pickled - 

- 

- 

6;^ per barrel 

Do. dry 

Do. in bulk 


- 

1 per box 

2 per cwt. 

Flax 

Flaxseed 


- 

62^ per ton 

10 per tierce 

Floiu* 

Gin 


- 

3 per baiTel 

25 per pipe 

Do. 

Ginger 


• • 

2 per case 

2 per bag 

Grain 

Hardware 


_ 

1 per bushel 

25 per hhd. 

Hemp 

Hempen Yarns 

. 

- 

62^ per ton 

20 per reel 

Herrings 

Hides 


■ . ■ 

1 per box 
per hide 

Hops 

1 loms 


- 

15 per bale 

50 per 1000 

Indigo 

Do. 


■ . ■ 

4 per seroon 

8 per box 

Iron, m pigs 

Do. in bolts, bars, hoops, 
nail-rods 

sheets, or 

15 per ton 

20 do. 

Lard 

• 

- 

12^ per firkin 



92 


COMMERCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 


Lead, in pig's or sheets 
Do. dry, or g-round in oil 
Leather - - . - 

Lemons - - - 

Molasses - - - 

Nails - - - - 

Nutmegs - 

Oil - - - " 

Do. ... - 

Paints - ■ ’ " 

Paper, wrapping 
Pepper - - - 

pimento - - - 

Pork . . . - 

Kaisins 

Do. . - - - 

Rice .... 
Rum - - - . 

Salmon ... 

Do. - - - 

Salt 

Saltpetre 

Shot - - - 

Soap, imported 
Steel, in bars or bundles 
Do. in tubs 
Sugar - - - 

Do. . 

Do. ... 

Do. Havana 
Tallow ... 

Do. . 

Tea . - - 

Tin, block 
Tin plates 

Tobacco . - - 

Do. - - - 

Do. , . - 

Whiskey 

Do. ... 

Whiting 


- 15 per ton 

. 30 do. 

1 per side 
6:^ per box 
25 per hogshead 
. 30 per ton 

see cloves 
. 30 per pipe 
per dozen 
. 30 per ton 

1 per ream 

2 per bag 
2h per bag 

per barrel 
2 per keg 
^ per box 
12^ per tierce 
. 25 per puncheon 
6^ per baiTel 
i per keg 

1 per bushel 

2 per bag 
6^ per keg 

. 4 per box 

20 per ton 
2 per tub 
25 per hogshead 
5 per barrel 

2 per bag 
8 per box 

25 per hogshead 
6^ per seroon 

3 per op’. chest 

- 15 per ton 

1^ per box 

- 25 per hogshead 

per seroon 
2 per keg 
25 per hogshead 
6^ per baiTel 
25 per hogshead 






LITERATURE, PIULOSOrHY, &C. 


93 ' 


Wine 

Do. 

Do. - ^ - 

l>o. bottled 
Wood, dyeing 


- 25 per pipe 
12^ per hog’shead 

per qr. cask 
per dozen 

- 30 per ton 


All articles not herein enumerated, to pay according to 
measurement, at the rate of 2^ cents per square or superficial 
foot of ground floor occupied. 

The proprietors of the goods, in all cases, to be at the ex¬ 
pense of putting them in store, stowing away, and turning 
out of store. 

All goods taken on storage to pay one month’s storage; if 
remaining in store one day after the expiration of the month, 
to pay full month’s storage. 


The Exchange^ 

Or Merchants’ Coffee-House, is a plain, but spacious and 
convenient building, in Second street, between Chesnut and 
Walnut streets, and the next house south of the Bank of 
Pennsylvania. It is supported by an annual subscription of 
seven dollars, paid by each member. 


PART YIII. 

LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY, SCIENCES, 

THE ARTS, &c. 

Philadelphia possesses numerous institutions established 
for the diffusion of useful literature, and the prosecution of 
scientific inquiries. In no part of the world, perhaps, is the 
love of reading more prevalent; and its general diffusion has 
contributed to impress upon the character of the mechanics 
a respectability which they do not possess in Europe. A 
great portion of the sedate and literary character of Philadel¬ 
phia, has justly been attributed to the effects produced by 

The City Library. 

This noble institution, a fitter subject for civic pride than 
112 



LITERATURK. 


9'i 

statues or public monuments, owes its orig’in to the literaiy 
taste and public spirit of FuAXKLiy. In Ifol, he sutfgested 
to a number of his friends the union into one collection of 
their difierent stocks of books, which thus united, were at 
first kept in a small room in Pewter-platter alley. The plan 
soon became popular, for the books were not, as in some of 
tlie public libraries of Europe, confined to tlie apartment, but 
the inembers were allowed to cany them to then' own houses, 
and study them at their leisure. The insti’ument of associa¬ 
tion, signed by thirty-eight members, is dated July 1, 1731. 
The first importation of books from England by the company, 
amounting to £45 ISs. sterling, arrived in October, 1732. 
The library was in 1773 transferred to tlie Carpenter’s Hall. 
The advantages arising to the public from this institution 
were so apparent, that several similar associations were soon 
after formed, under the name of the Amicable, the Union, 
Sec., which were, liowever, in a few years amalgamated with 
the first company, and the whole were united in a charter, 
with the name of “The Libi'ary Company of Philadelphia.” 
In 1790, the present neat and ornamental edifice was erected, 
on the east side of Fifth street, opposite the State-House 
Square. It is well arranged internally for the purposes of a 
library, and over the front door is placed a marble statue of 
Franklin, executed in Italy, and presented by ^V'illiam Bing¬ 
ham, Esq. 

The collection of books in this institution has increased 
from year to year, by purchases and donations, until it now 
forms probably the most considerable library of useful books 
in America. Twice in each year are received from London 
all the new English works of value, and every American pro¬ 
duction of merit is regularly procured. In 1803, an accession 
of very valuable and costly works, to the number of 2500 
volumes, was received by the beqiiest of the Rev. Mr. Pres¬ 
ton, rector of Chevening, in Kent, England. The number 
of books at the present time is about 24,000, exclusive of the 
Loganian collection, and the number of members is upwai’ds 
of 800. I’he price of a share in this institution is forty 
dollars, besides which, an annual payment of two dollars is 
made by each shareholder. Persons who desire to see or 
pemse books at the library, ai*e pennitted to do so free of 
charge. It will surprise strangers to learn, that this invalu¬ 
able institution is open to the public only from two o’clock 


LITERATUTIE. 


95 


in the afternoon imtll sunset, which in the winter season gives 
little opportunity to the present large number of members 
to exchange their books. Attempts have frequently been 
made to produce a change in this respect, without success. 
A dislike to innovate on ancient usage seems to prevml with 
a large portion of the members. 

I'lie affairs of the institution are managed by ten directors, 
chosen annually, in the month of May. The following is a 
list of the director for 1824-5: Thomas Parke, Joseph Parker 
Noms, Robert Wain, James Gibson, Zaccheus Collins, George 
Fox, Zachariah Poulson, Joseph S. Lewis, William llawle, 
John Read; Treasurer^ Thomas Morris. 

Loganian Library, 

Annexed to the City Library, and under the same roof, is 
a most valuable collection of ancient and cbissical works, prin¬ 
cipally in the Greek and Latin Languages, the collection of 
the celebrated James Logan, and of some of his descendants, 
and by them appropriated to public use, together with the 
income from various property, tor the gradual increase of the 
library: the amount of this fund is now about $ 10,000. The 
number of volumes is about 5000. 

Mhenapurn. 

While the City Library enables the public to procure books 
at a small expense for perusal at home, tjie Athenaeum fur¬ 
nishes a place of useful and agi-eeable resort, where valuable 
books of reference in every department of literature and 
science, tlie periodical journals of Europe and America, maps, 
plates, &c., may always Ijc found and consulted. I'his valu¬ 
able institution was established in 1814, and incorporated in 
the succeeding year, since which, its collection of books, &c., 
and its resources, have rapidly increased. It now occupies 
the first floor of the Philosophical Hall in Fifth street, on the 
east front of tlie State-House Square. There ai-e three apail- 
ments, one of which contains the bbraiy, and the literary and 
scientific journals; the second is furnished with newspapers; 
and the third is used for convemation, and is destined to con- 
hiin cabinets of mineralogy, &c. The libi-ary consists of about 
3300 volumes, mostly books of practical utility, and the cur¬ 
rent and popular literature. 'I'herc are, however, some rare 


96 


litehatuhe. 


and costly works, and the collection of pamphlets is very 
valuable and extensive; among these, is a series of 140 vol¬ 
umes, which belonged to Dr. Franklin, many of them en¬ 
riched with his MS. notes. The following Em’opean journals 
are regularly received at the rooms, and generally within six 
weeks after their pubhcation. 

English. 


Ackerman’s Repository, 
Annals of Philosophy, 

Annual Register, 

Blackwood’s Magazine, 
Botanical Magazine, 

Bre waster’s Philosopliical J our- 
nal, 

Clu’istian Observer, 

Eclectic Review, 

Edinbm’gh Review, 
Edinburgh Annual Register, 
European Magazine, 
Gentleman’s Magazine, 
Investigator, 

Journal of Science and Arts, 


La Belle Assemblee, 

Literaiy Gazette, 

London Magazine, 

London Journal of Science, 
Modern Voyages and Travels, 
Monthly Magazine, 

Monthly Review, 

New Annual Regisic , 

New Monthly Magazine, 
Pamphleteer, 

Philosopliical Magazine, 
Quarterly Review, 

Repertory of Arts, 
Reti’ospective Review, 
Sporting Magazine. 


French. 

Journal des Savanf, Revue Encyclopsedique, 

Annuaire Historique. 

The following American journals ai’e also received. 


North American Review, 

Port Folio, 

American Monthly Magazine, 
Museum of Foreign Litera¬ 
ture, 

Atlantic Magazine, 
Athenseum, 

United States Literary Ga¬ 
zette, 

Pliiladelpliia Journal of Medi¬ 
cine, &c. 


Philadelphia Medical Recor¬ 
der, 

Silliman’s Journal, 

Journal of Foreign Medicine, 
Journal of Academy of Natu¬ 
ral Sciences, 

Niles’s Weekly Register, 
Cliristian Disciple, 

Chi-istian Advocate, 

The Christian. 




jLITEHATUnK. 


97 


In the newspaper room are regailarly received more thart 
fifty newspapers of the United States, tliree English news¬ 
papers, and two French, besides occasionally papers from 
other parts of the world. The collection of maps, charts, and 
])lans, is supposed not to have its superior in the United 
States. The rooms are open every day, except Sundays, 
from eight o’clock A. M. until ten P. M. The contributors 
to this institution are either stockholders, who pay twenty-five 
dollars principal, and four dollai-s annnally, or subscribers who 
pay eight dollars annually. The number of stockholdei’s is 
about 400; of subscribers, &c. about 125. 

Strangers are admitted to the use of the rooms, on an in¬ 
troduction by a stockholder or subscriber. The number of 
strangers thus introduced, a register of whom is kept, ex¬ 
ceeds one thousand annually. 

The of the institution are mabaged by a board of 

directors,' consisting of fifteen members, elected annually by 
the stockholders. The directors annually choose a presi¬ 
dent, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. The officers 
for 1824 ai’e—Chief Justice Tilghman,.; Samuel 
Ewing, Esq., Vice-President; Quintin Campbell, Treasurer; 
William M’llhenny, Secretary,- William I'ilghman, 

Samuel Ewing, Quintin Campbell, Roberts Vaux, Peter S. 
Duponceau, Thomas I. Wluirton, George Vaux, William 
Smith, John Vaughan, Clement C. Biddle, Benjamin Tilgh- 
man, John M. Scott, William Lehman, Edward Ingersoll, 
Jacob Gratz ; William M’llhenny, Librarian, 

The Friends* Lihraryy 

Is a valuable collection of about 3000 volumes, principally 
on theological subjects, and many of them exceedingly rare, 
originally commenced by Mr. 7'homas Chalkley, in 1740, and 
increased by donations and bequests of some other pei’sons of 
the same religious belief. The books are kept in an apart¬ 
ment in the centre building of the meeting-house at the corner 
of Arch and Fourth streets, and ai’e under the care of a libra¬ 
rian, who attends every Satiu’day afternoon, for the delivery 
of books, free from expense, to any respectable applicant, 
who shall subscribe to the rules. 

The Apprentices* Library. 

This very excellent institution is designed to afford the 


98 


LITETlATTrnE. 


means of instructiv'e reading and valuable information to a class 
of persons whose sihiation in life often leads them into danger 
of evil habits. Its success has thus far been highly encourag¬ 
ing. The desire of useful infonnation displayed by the large 
number of intelligent boys who have applied for books, leads 
to favourable auguries of the character of the future me¬ 
chanics and tradesmen of Philadelphia. The inembers of 
this institution, who pay annually two dollars, were incor¬ 
porated on the 2d af April, 1821. The number of books 
is about 2000; and the number of boys to whom books are 
lent is about 650. The library is kept in the' Carpenter’s 
Hall, in Carpenter’s court, leading from Chesnut street south 
between Third and Foiuth streets. There are annually elect¬ 
ed by the members, a president, vice-president, treasurer, 
secretary, and twenty-foirr managers. The officers for 1824 
are—^John Sergeant, President; Roberts Vaux, Vice-Presi- 
dent; James Cresson, Treasurer; Daniel B. Smith, Secretary. 

The Me^'cantile Library^ 

Instituted in 1822-, was formed, as the name indicates, for 
the purpose of collecting books useful to the mercantile class. 
The number of volumes of which the library now consists, is 
about 2000, principally on commerce, commercial law, the 
arts, sciences, &c. besides maps and charts. The members 
pay, on admission, four dollars; and two dollars annually 
afterwards. Twelve directors are annually chosen. The 
present officers are— President^ Thomas P. Cope; Treasurer^ 
Joseph H. Dalles; Secretary, William H. Bowen. The library 
is kept in a private building. No. 100 Chesnut street, between 
Third and Fourth streets, and is open for reading or exchange 
of books, every evening, from 6 to 10 o’clock. 

The Law Library, 

Established in 1802, was formed for the accommodation of 
the members of the bar, of whom the association consists. It 
is kept in a room in the county court-house, adjoining the 
supreme and circuit courts. The books are allowed to be 
taken into either of the courtrooms, to be used upon the ti*ial 
and argument of causes in court, but cannot be removed for 
other purposes. The annual subscription is two dollars. 'Fhe 
officers are seven directors, who are annually elected. The 
directors appoint a treasui-er, who also acts as secretiuy, and 


PHILOSOPHT. 


99 


a librarian. The shareholders are now about ninety in num¬ 
ber. The library contains about 650 volumes, the ^eater 
number of wliich are the ancient and modern reports of ad¬ 
judged cases. 

The American Philosophical Society^ 

AV as founded in 1743, principally by the exeilions of Dr. 
Franklin. In 1766, another institution, for the same objects, 
was formed, called “ The American Society for promoting 
useful Knowledge and tliese two societies were united, in 
1769, under the title of “The American Philosophical So¬ 
ciety held at Philadelphia for promoting useful Knowledge.” 

About the year 17S5, the society erected, for their accom¬ 
modation, a lai'ge and commodious building, on a part of the 
State-House square, gi’anted'to them by tlie legislature of 
Pennsylvania. 

Tlie library of the society consists of about 6000 volumes, 
of which a scientific catalogue has been recently printed, 
and is exceedingly valuable. The collection of the Transac¬ 
tions of foreign Academies is undoubtedly the most complete 
in this country. 

The society have also a collection of objects of natural 
histoiy, consisting principally of minerals and fossil remains. 

The meetings of the society are held on the first and tliird 
Fridays of eveiy month, from October to May, both inclusive; 
' and on the tliird Friday of the other four montlis. On the 
other Friday evenings, the rooms are opened for the purpose 
of reading and conversation, and strangers ai’e introduced.* 

’ The society have published seven volumes of'Pi-ansactions 
in quarto, and have an eighth now in the press: the two last 
belong to a new series. 

The main object of this institution is the cultivation of tlie 
exact sciences. It was thought important, however, to ex¬ 
tend its views to history, moral science, and general literatiu’e; 

* Dr. Wistar, the late president of the society, was in the habit, for 
some years, of having conversation parties at liis house, on every Saturday 
evening, where meinbt i-s of the society, strangers, and other gentlemen 
attached to scientific and literary pursuits, were invited. Since his death, 
these meetings have been continued, under the name of “ IViitar parties^ 
by a small number of members, who liold them at their houses in succes¬ 
sion. Although these are in fact private parlies, yet they form so promi¬ 
nent a feature in the literary society of Ptuladelphia, that we have thought 
•it would not be improper to mention them in tliis place. 


100 


SCIENCE. 


and a branch of the society, under the name of a standing- 
committee, was formed for this puipose in 1815. This com¬ 
mittee has been actively and successfully engaged in the 
collection of historical documents, principally those relating 
to the United States. They published, in 1819, a separate 
volume of transactions, in octavo. 

In 1786, John Hyacynth de Magellan, of London, present¬ 
ed the Society with funds for the establishment of an annual 
premium, to be awarded by the society to “the author of the 
best discoveiy or most useful invention relating to navigation, 
astronomy, or natural philosophy, mere natural history only 
excepted.” The premium consists of an oval plate of stand¬ 
ard gold, with suitable devices engi’aved on it. 

These funds having been so managed as to produce an 
annual surplus, the society determined to offer exti’a Magel¬ 
lanic premiums, upon views more extended than were ori¬ 
ginally contemplated by the donor. They accordingly offer 
this premium to the author of the most useful invention, im¬ 
provement, discoveiy, or communication, in any depaitment 
of science or the useful arts. The premium consists of a gold 
medal, of the value of not less than twenty nor more than 
forty-five dollai's, or of the same sum in money, at the option 
of the candidate. Several premiums, both from the original 
and the surplus fund, have been awarded by the society. 

The presidents of the society have been, Benjamin Frank¬ 
lin, David Rittenhouse, Thomas Jefferson, Caspar Wistar, 
and Robert Patterson. 

The officers of the society are elected annually, except 
twelve counsellors, who are elected for three years, one-tlurd 
of whom vacate theh seats annually. 

Officers for 1824— President^ Robert Patterson; Vice-Pre- 
sidentSy William Tilghman, P. S. Duponceau, and Zaccheus 
Coffins; Secretariesy R. M. Patterson, Robert Walsh, Jun’r., 
George Ord, and W. H. Keating; Treasurer and Librariany 
John Vaughan. 

Historical and Literaiy Committee, or Historical Society— 
Chairmariy William Tilghman; Corresponding Secretaryy Pe¬ 
ter S. Duponceau; Recording Secretaryy John Vaughan. 

The Academy of Natural Sciencesy 

Was formed in 1812, and incorpoi-ated in 1817. Without 
pretension or public encouragement, it has added lai-gely to 


SCIENCE. 101 

the stock of science, and gi’adually acquired a high and well- 
deserv'ed reputation. 

The officers are, a president, two vice-presidents, a cor¬ 
responding secretary, a recording secretary, a treasurer, a 
librai’ian, four curators, and three auditors. Each member 
pays an initiation fee of ten dollars, and a quarterly contri¬ 
bution of three dollars. 

The library-contains about 5000 volumes, among which is 
the most valuable and extensive collection of works on natu¬ 
ral history in the United States. A verj large and valuable 
herbarium, and collections of shells, fossils, mineral and ge¬ 
ological specimens, birds, quadiupeds, &c. compose the 
cabinet. A great number of the most valuable of the works 
in this collection, have been bestowed by its munificent be¬ 
nefactor, William Maclure. 

In 1817, the Academy commenced the periodical publica¬ 
tion of some of the valuable papers read before it. Under 
the unassuming title of “The Journal of the Academy of 
Natural Sciences,” three volumes have appeared, tlie con¬ 
tents of which are honourable to the scientlhc men of Pliila- 
delphia. 

J'he officers for 1824 are— President^ William Maclure; 
Vice-Presidents, Zaccheus Collins and George Ord; Cui'res- 
ponding Secretary, Reuben JIaines; Rean'ding Secretary, 
tVhlliam II. Keating; Curators, Thomas Say, C. A. Lesueur, 
J. P. Wetfierill, and Isaac Hays; Treasurer, Jacob Gilliams; 
Auditors, W. S. ^V■arder, J. M. Brewer, and R. E. Griffith; 
Librarian, Jacob Pierce. 

The Philadelphia Museum. 

'rhis institution was commenced in the year 1784, with the 
donation of a paddle fish, from the Ohio river, by a gentle¬ 
man still residing here; from tliat time to the present, the 
whole of the intellectual and pecuniary resources of Charles 
Willson Peale have been devoted, with unceasing ardour, to 
the accomplishment of the design of conveying instruction 
and amusement to his fellow citizens, and of advancing the 
interests of religion and morality, by the aiTangemenf and 
display of the works of nature and ait. The doors of the 
51useum have been ever closed against the profligate and tlie 
indecent; it has been preserved, with scrupulous fidelity, as 
place where the virtuous and refined of society could meet, 
1 


102 


SCIENCE. 


to enjoy such pleasures as can be tasted by the virtuous and 
refined alone. In 1802, a gi’ant of the use of the upper rooms 
of the State-House was made by the leg-islature to the Mu¬ 
seum. Mr. Peale was enabled, by this proof of the enlight¬ 
ened liberality of government, to increase and extend his 
collection, as well as to airange and classify its numerous 
objects, in a manner worthy of their stations in the great scale 
of nature. 

I'he system of Linnseus has been adhered to in the aiTange- 
ment of the mammalia and buds ; the numbers of e^ch are 
given in the latter part of this sketch : that of Cleaveland in 
mineralogy, the cabinets for the display of which contain 
about 1700 specimens, some of which are very beautiful. 
Lamarck’s system has been the guide in conchology, the 
cabinets of which contain more than 1000 specimens. The 
corals, 8ic. are ai’ranged according to tliis system, and are 
also numerous. 

The Museum, besides the above departments, contains a 
large collection of fossil reliquix of this country and of Europe, 
at the head of whicli is the mammoth, so remarkalile for its 
great size and perfect preservation: a few bones of this 
skeleton were found in a morass, by persons employed in 
digging- for marl, in Ulster county, New-York, and were pur¬ 
chased by the present proprietor, witli the right of digging 
for the remainder, which was successfully accomplished, with 
great labour and expense, and by the most detennined assi¬ 
duity. 

An already numerous cabinet of fish, is continually increas¬ 
ing, among the most remarkable of the specimens in which, 
is one of the genus raga, or ray, commonly called the “ devil 
fish,” which has been lately added to the collection; it mea¬ 
sures twelve feet in lengtli by fifteen in breadth, and weighed 
upwards of two thousand pounds. 

Cabinets of reptiles, insects, comparative anatomy, &c., 
and a numerous collection of miscellaneous articles, of works 
of art, implements, di-esses, arms, antiquities, &.c., from every 
part of the globe, occupy difterent situations in the rooms. 

X most valuable collection of original portraits, two hun¬ 
dred in number, forms a part of this institution, consi.stmg 
principally of the officers and diplomatic characters of the 
revolution, painted by C. W. Peale: tliey are much enhanced 
in value from the circumstance of their liaving been painted 


THE ARTS. 


103 


during' that stormy ])eriod. A number of the portraits are of 
the professors of the National Institute of France, painted by 
Itembrandt Peale in Europe, in 1812. There are also thirty- 
eight pictures, landscapes, still life, and historical, and a full 
length portrait of the founder of the institution, painted by 
himself, in the eighty-second yeai* of his age. Connected 
with the Museum is a laboratory, containing a considerable 
number of instilments for the peiformance of experiments in 
chemistry and natural philosophy, populai’ lectures on wliich 
subjects are delivered in the Museum several evenings in the 
week. 

There are four professors appointed by the trustees of the 
Museum, who lecture in natural histoiy^, mineralogy, com¬ 
parative anatomy, and physiology, adding thereby very much 
to the utility of tlie institution, by the dih'usion of useful and 
pleasing knowledge. 

To ensure the permanency of the Museum, an act of incor¬ 
poration was passed by the legislature of this state in 1822, 
wliich places it under the direction of trustees, who are ap¬ 
pointed by tlie stockholders annually. Tliis act locates the 
Museum in tlie city of Philadelphia, and prevents any of its 
articles from being removed or alienated on any account. 

The Philadelphia Museum at present contaiijs 250 quad¬ 
rupeds, 1100 birds, 3450 insects, and additions are constantly 
making to these and the other departments, by the liberality 
of the public, and the exertions of the officers of the insti¬ 
tution. 


‘The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 

Was founded in the year 1805, by the voluntary association 
and contributions of a number of the citizens of Philadelphia; 
and received a charter from the legislature of the state in 
March, 1806. The objects of this institution are not confined 
to providing an elegant and rational recreation for the public; 
nor to that improvement of the public taste which must re¬ 
sult from the collection and exhibition of the most celebrated 
works of art in statuary, painting, architecture, and engrav¬ 
ing. It is also a school for the young artists of our countiy, 
where their genius is fostered, and their knowledge and taste 
cultivated, by placing at their disposal the finest models of 
antiquity, particularly in statuary and architectural drawings. 
From a small beginning, the Academy has now become fully 


104 


sciEjfcr,. 


adequate to the great puiposes of its institution. The build¬ 
ing consists of a circular saloon, forty-six feet in diameter, the 
entrance into which is by a handsome vestibule. The saloon 
is lighted from a lofty dome, constructed in correct pro¬ 
portions. It was originally intended for works of statuary, 
but is now hung with fine pictures, for which it affords an 
excellent light. On the north of the saloon there is an en¬ 
trance into a gallery, also used for pictimes, which is fifty 
feet in length, and tliirty feet in width, lighted from the ceil¬ 
ing. On the east is the antique gallery^’* in which the 
statues and busts are aiTangcd on pedestals. This gallery is 
sixty-six feet long and twenty-five wide, lighted from the 
ceiling; at the south end of it the library is placed: a large 
vacant space remains on the west for further additions and 
improvements. An exhibition is annually held in the Academy 
for six weeks, to which American artists are invited to send 
their productions, and where pictures of distinguished merit, 
from private collections, are also disj)layed. 

The walls of the picture galleries are now covered with 
paintings of the ancient and modern schools, some of them 
by masters of the highest celebrity. Among these, are Diana 
and her Nymphs, by Itubens; Virgin and Child, by Vandyke; 
Magdalen, by Titian; Napoleon crossing the Alps, by David; 
Joseph Napoleon in his Coronation robes, by Gerard, &c. &c. 
The antique gallery^ contains casts of all the most celebrated 
Grecian statues and busts, together with several from the 
hand of Canova. The library is adorned with many splendid 
works of engravings, in various dejKUtments, as well as with 
some valuable volumes on the arts. 

The affairs of the institution are managed by a president, 
and twelve directora. Officers for 1^2A.—President ^ Joseph 
Hopkinson; John Bell, M. D., Professor of Anatomy; Thomas 
P. Roberts, Treasurer; Francis Hopkinson, Necre/ary,- James 
Tliackara, Curator. 

The College of Physicians of Philadelphitty 

Was instituted in 1787. Its objects are, the advancement 
of medical science, the lessening of human misery, and the 
investigation of diseases and remedies peculiai' to this countr}\ 

The College consists of fellows and associates. The fel¬ 
lows consist of practitioners of physic, eminent in their pro¬ 
fession, residing within the city and districts. The associates 


SCIENCE. 


105 


consist of persons in the profession who do not live within the 
limits described. 

Ordinary meeting’s are held on the first Tuesday in every 
month, from October to March inclusive. 

Officers for the year 1824.— President, Dr. Thomas Parke ; 
Vice-President, Dr. Samuel P. Griffitts: Censors, Drs. Thomas 
T. Hewson, Henry Neill, Josepli Pamsh, John C. Otto; 
Treasurer, Dr. Thomas C. James; Secretary, Dr. Samuel 
Emlen. 

The Philadelphia Medical Society, 

Was incorporated in 1792, for the promotion of medical 
science, and the mutual improvement of its members in medi¬ 
cal knowledg’e. 

Stated meeting's are held weekly durin,g the months of 
November, December, January", and February. 

The Society consists of honoi-ai’y and junior members. 
The honorary members are such as have obtained a degi’ee in 
medicine, or are eminent in the practice of physic, or any of 
its branches. 

Junior members are examined for admission by a committee 
of the Society. Junior members, who have not graduated, 
are also examined by a committee appointed for the purpose. 

J'he Society is in possession of a fine libraiy, embracing’ 
many valuable w’oiks upon subjects connected with medical 
science. 

Officers for 1824.— President, Dr. Physick; Vice-Pren- ■ 
dents. Dr. Parrish, Dr. Jackson; Corresponding Secretaries, 
Dr. Emlen, Dr. Dell; Treasurer, Dr. Hugh L. Hodge; Libra¬ 
rian, Dr, George G. 'Fresse; OraUw, Dr. John K. Mitchell; 
Curators, Dr. George G. Tresse, Dr. Alfi-ed Drake. 

The Medical Association of Philadelphia, 

Was instituted in June, 1824, for the purpose of advancing 
the interests of the profession. President, Dr. Elisha Griffith; 
Vice-Presidents, Dr, Sargent and Dr. Neill; Secretary, Dr. J. 
'J’homas ; Treasurer, Dr. Nancrede. 

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, 

Is an association of dniggists and apothecai’ies, instituted 
in March, 1821, and incoi’porated by the state legislature in 
March, 1822. This society is the only one of the kind in the 
United States: its objects, as expressed in the preamble to the 

J 2 



106 


SCIENCE. 


act of incorporation, are, “to provide means of instruction, by 
the establislinient of a school of pharmacy, in which shall be 
taught those branches of knowledge essential to the educa¬ 
tion of an apotliecaiy; to invite a s])irit of iihannaceutical in¬ 
vestigation and research, and to diffuse information amongst 
the members of the profession; to guard the drug market 
from the inti’oduction of spurious, adultenited, deteriorated, or 
otherwise mischievous articles, which are too frequently 
forced into it, by watching and giving early warning of their 
appearance; to regulate the business, as far as may be prac¬ 
ticable, and consistent with our social institutions; to establish 
such rules as may promote an harmonious intercourse among 
its members; to remedy many existing abuses, and to advance 
the character and promote the interests of the profession.’* 

A school of pharmacy has been established, with two pro¬ 
fessorships, under the direction of the college, in which a 
class of about thirty apprentices to the business have attend¬ 
ed. The formation of a library, and a cabinet of specimens of 
the various substances composing the materia medica, and 
other branches of natural history, is in progi’ess. 

The local concerns of the society, and the management of 
the school of pharmacy, are committed to a board of trustees 
consisting of sixteen members, and the officers of the College, 
who are ex officio membei’s of the board. 

Franklin Institute^ 

An association recently formed in Philadelphia, and most 
appropriately named after the great philosopher and patriot 
whose life and character furnish a noble model for American 
mechanics. I'he object of this institute is, as stated in its 
constitution, “the promotion and encouragement of manu- 
factm'cs, and the mechanic and useful arts, by the establish¬ 
ment of popular lectures on the sciences connected with 
them; by the formation of a cabinet of models and minerals, 
and a library; by offering premiums on all subjects deemed 
worthy of encouragement; by examining all new inventions 
submitted to them; and by such other means as they may 
judge expedient.” The constitution was adopted on the 
5th of February, 1824, and the association was incorporated 
on the 30th of March following. The members of the Insti¬ 
tute consist of manufacturers, mechanics, artisans, and per¬ 
sons friendly to the mechanic aits. Quarterly meetings of 
the members ai’e held on the tliird Thursday of Januaiy, 


SCIENCE. 


lor 

April, July, and October. Each member pays annually tlmee 
dollars; but the payment of twenty-five dollars constitutes a 
member for life, with an exemption from all annual payments. 
The officers ai-e, a president, two vice-presidents, a recording 
secretary, a corresponding secretary, a treasurer, and twenty- 
four managers, chosen annually. Two-thirds of tlie managers 
must be manufacturers or mechanics. The first quarterly 
report of the board of managers was made on the 15th April, 
1824. It appears, from this interesting document, that the 
list of members was very considerable and rapidly increasing; 
and that, although the state of the funds did not admit of the 
immediate endowment of lectureships, yet that several mem¬ 
bers had offered voluntarily to lecture every Wednesday 
evening. Weekly lectures have since been reguhu'ly deli¬ 
vered. On the subject of public exhibitions, the report ex¬ 
pressed a confident belief, “that when the products of our 
industiy are collected from the various work-shops now dis- 
])ersed throughout the city and state, and exhibited together, 
they will form a collection calculated to excite a gratifying 
sense of pride in the bosom of every well-wisher to the pros- 
])erity of our manufactiu’es, and an encouraging hope, that 
under proper regulations, we may soon compete with foreign¬ 
ers in the manufacture of all useful articles.” 

“ Hy bringing together (the report continues) the various 
products of our work-shops,* we shall soon discover what ma¬ 
nufactures flourish in the countiy—what objects are success¬ 
fully prepared by oiu’ mechanics—and in what resjiects they 
are deficient. Great as is the merit of new inventions, the 
board is convinced, that to attain peifection of workmanship 
in old established inventions is an object of at least as gi’eat 
importance—and hence, the principle which they have adopt¬ 
ed as the basis of the exhibition, is, tliat perfection in work¬ 
manship is to be encouraged as well as novelty in invention. 
Jhit to attain perfection of workmanship necessarily requires 
that a sufficient time should be allowed to the mechanic to 
prepare witli care those objects wliich he wishes to submit 
to the scrutinizing eye of the public. Under this impression, 
and with a view of holding t^e exhibitions at that time of the 
year when the greatest concourse of sti’angers in our city 
can be expected, tlie board have resolved that the exhibitions 
shall be held at tlie time of tlie quarterly meeting in October 
of every year.” 


108 ' 


SCIEXCE. 


Among the objects which the board have in immediate 
contemplation, the following are stated :—1. I’he obtaining 
a suitable room for the meeting of the Institute; 2. The for¬ 
mation of a library; 3. The creation of a cabinet of minerals 
and models of machines. 

“ There are objects (it is said by the board) of still greater 
importance, which the board entertain a hope may at some 
futm’e day be within the means of the society. Foremost 
among these would be the establishment of an experimental 
work-shop and laboratory; for the better instmction of mem¬ 
bers by the residts of experience—but this wpuld require a 
much lai’ger sum of money than the society has at present at 
its disposal. All that the board will therefore venture to sug¬ 
gest on tins subject is, that the society should not lose sight 
of it, but embrace the first opportunity of stamping upon their 
institution the gi’eatest degi’ee of usefulness, by the creation 
of such an experimental school.” The publication of a jour¬ 
nal devoted to the dissemination of useful information among 
mechanics, &c. is suggested as an object of importance when 
the funds will admit of it; and the report concludes with a 
statement of the funds. The officers of the Institute for 1824 
are—James Ronaldson, President; Mathew Carey and Isaiah 
Lukens, Vice-Presidents ; William Strickland, Recording ISe- 
cretary ; Peter A. Browne, Corresponding Secretary ; Thomas 
Fletcher, Treasure)'. 

Lectures delivered before the Society. 

Professor Keating, on Mineralogy and Chemistry applied 
to the Arts. 

Mr. Strickland, on Architecture. 

*on Natural Philosophy. 

*on Practical Mechtmics. 

The number of members in April, 1824, was 292. 

The Phrenological Society^ 

The object of which is the study of the mind as connected 
with cerebral phenomena, was formed in March, 1822. Its 
meetings are held twice a month in the winter season, and 
once a month for the remainder of the yeai’, in a room adjoin- 

* The lecturers are not )'et appointed, but it is presumed they will be 
so shortly. 


SCIENCE. 


109 


I Ing the Apprentices’ Llbraiy, in Carpenter’s court, where is 
I also the museum of the society. This consists of a large 
number of casts of the skulls and busts and the masks of 
pei*sons distinguished for any remarkable propensityy senti¬ 
ment, or intellectual energy, and also the skulls of many of the 
! inferior animals, for the purposes of comparison. The collec¬ 
tion is so airanged as to exhibit the improvement in cerebral 
* organization, from the idiot up to the man of acknowledged 
genius and varied talents, through the intervening grades of 
the different races in which are found the New Hollander, 
the Esquimaux, tlie Negi'o, the Egj'ptian, the Hindoo, the 
Indian, and tlie numerous varieties of the European branch. 

Lecturers are appointed annually, one of whom reads a 
; paper, on some subject connected witli the science, at each 
meeting of the society. 

I'he officers for the present year are— President, Philip 
I Syng Physick, M. D. Professor of Anatomy in the University 
i of Pennsylvania ; Vice-Presidents, William E. Horner, M. D. 

Adjunct Professor of Anatomy in the University of Pennsyl- 
1 vania, and Joseph Hopkinson, Esq.; Curators, George W. 
Smith, and John C. Stocker, Esqrs.; Corresponding Secre¬ 
tary, John Bell, M. D.; Recording Secretary, Benjanuu H. 
Coates, M. D.; Treasurer, Hugh L. Hodge, M. D. 

The Philadelphia Society for promoting Agriculture, 

[Was instituted in IfSo. Meetings are held on the second 
Tuesday in each month, at its rooms in the Philosophical 
Hall, where it has a cabinet and library. The librnr}" contains 
about 300 volumes, principally on subjects connected with 
agi’iculture. In the early stage of its existence, it published 
numerous communications in the newspapers of the day, but 
has since published four octavo volumes of Memoim, and it 
is believed has now materials sufficient to form a fifth volume. 

J'he society has at different periods proposed and awarded 
premiums for improvements in agriculture, new implements 
of husbandry, supenor animals of either foreign or domestic 
oiigin, and various other objects connected with husbandly 
and rural affairs. 

Officers for 1824— President, Richard Peters; Vice-Presi¬ 
dents, W illiam Tllghman, James Mease, Robert Coleman, 
Nicholas Biddle ; 7 'rtasurtr, William Mason W almsley; Sc- 




110 


SCIE?rCE. 


creinry^ W. H. Keating*; Assistant Secretary and Librarian, 
William S. Warder; Curators, Israel P. Cope, Joshua Imng- 
streth, Reuben Haines, Joseph Cloud, Adam Eckfeldt; Com¬ 
mittee of Correspondence, Richard Peters, William Tilghman, 
Zaccheus Collins, James Mease, John Vaughan. 

Musical Fund. 

The Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia was instituted 
in the month of February, 1820, and incorporated, by an act 
of the legislature of Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1823. Its 
objects are the relief of distressed musicians and their fami¬ 
lies, and the cultivation of taste and proficiency in the musical 
art. The first is attained, by granting from the corpoi-ate 
funds an adequate pecuniar}^ provision to all musicians, mem¬ 
bers of tlw Society, who from age or infirmity are unable to 
support tliemselves and their families. The second, by gpving, 
every fortnight, concerts to the members, and twice or three 
times during the winter a musical entei’tainment accessible 
to the public. The members are ari’anged in the two classes 
of professors and amateurs. The class of professors only is \ 
obliged to perform at the concerts; but a large number of { 
amateurs, on such occasions, unite to assist them. The So- * 
ciety includes about fifty professors of the fii-st eminence, and ; 
two hundred amateur members, of the most fashionable and 
respected classes of society. Its orchestral force is the largest , 
in the country, fretpiently numbering one hundred and twenty / 
musicians. Its annual income is derived from the profits of 
public conceits, and an annual contribution of five dollars ^ 
from each member. I'his Society has done much to promote 
the objects of its institution. 

The Hall of the Society, from a design by IMr. Strickland, 
is now building under his superintendence, in I^ocust street, 
near Eighth. The lower floor contains a room appropriated • 
to the private concerts of the Society, 60 feet by 32; a room 
for meetings, 60 feet by 24; and two retiring rooms, each 28 
feet by 24. The public concert hall will be on the second 
floor, 110 feet by 60, and, with the recessed gallei’y at the 
northern end, will accommodate 1800 persons. The struc¬ 
ture unites gTeat strength with neatness of decoration, and 
convenience of aiTangement. 

Officers for 1824.— President, Dr. William P. Dewees; 
Vice-President, Dr. Robert M. Patterson; Treasurer, Francis 



IITERATUHE. 


Ill 


G-Smith; Secretary, 3 . W. Houston; Chairman of Managers 
of the Fund, William Y. Birch; Chairman of Directors of the 
Music, Benjamin CaiT; Instrumental Conductors, Messrs. 
Gilles, Homrnann, and Hupfeld; Vocal Conductors, Messrs. 
Carr, Cross, and Loud; Leader, Mr. Hupfeld. 


Literature, and the Press. 

The press of Philadelphia is decidedly beyond that of any 
Other city of the United States, in the number and chai’acter 
of its productions; but its activity is of compamtively recent 
date. Previous to the revolutionaiy wai-, .Tames Humplmeys 
and Robert Bell, two enterprising’ booksellers, published 
a few valuable books by subscription. Diu-mg the war, 
when Bibles were very scarce and dear, Robert Aitken pub¬ 
lished an edition of the school Bible ; but after the peace the 
business greatly languished, and it is said on good authority, 
that when, so late as 1786, an edition of the New Testament, 
for the use of schools, was projected, it was considered an 
hazardous undertaking, and the four booksellers, on whose 
joint responsibility and funds the measure was determined on, 
only ventured ujjon it after gi-eat consultation, and with much 
anxiety. The press partook of the impetus given to industry 
by the establishment of the federal constitution. But it is 
only within a few years that the business of republishing so 
large a proportion of the English books of value, lias been 
undertaken. Some idea of the present flourishing condition 
of the Philadclpliia press, may be formed from the following 
facts. 

I'here were in Philadelphia, on the 1st of July, 1824, 55 
printing offices, containing 112 presses, and supporting about 
250 workmen. Of these, about 20 presses are employed in 
printing newspapers. The remaining 92 presses ai-e adequate 
to the annual production of above 2,500,000 duodecimo 
volumes, of 300 pages each. It is not easy to ascertain how 
many volumes are actually printed, but the foregoing state¬ 
ment shows to how great an extent the business of printing 
ha.s been carried in this city. 

The first standing quarto Bible in the English language, 
and perhaps in any language, was set up by Mathew Carey, 
in Philadclpliia, in 1804; and it is still the only standing Bible 


112 


LITERATURE. 


of separate types. Above 200,000 impressions of tills Bible 
have been published. 

There are now in Philadelphia two stereotype quarto 
Bibles, and one of separate types constantly standing-. There 
have been printed in Philadelpliia since the year 1800, and 
exclusive of those printed for the Bible Societies, above 
500,000 quarto and school Bibles. 


A very large proportion of the important works published 
in America, have issued from the Philadelphia press. Among 
these are the following, the principal pai’t of wliich have been 
published within ten years. 

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 21 vols. quarto. 

Rees’s Cyclopaedia, 42 vols. quarto. 

Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, 18 vols. quarto. 

Nicholson’s Encyclopaedia, 12 vols. octavo. (Tliree edi¬ 
tions of this work have been published.) 

Wilson’s Ornithology, 9 vols. imperial quarto. 

Lavoisne’s Atlas, 1 vol. folio. (Three editions have boen 
published.) 

American Atlas, 1 vol. folio. (Two editions of this have 
been pubhshed.) 

Pinkerton’s Atlas, 1 vol. folio. 

The British Poets, 50 vols. 18mo. 

Barton’s Works on the Botany of America, 5 vols. quarto. 

Scott’s Bible, 5 vols. quarto. (Two editions have been 
published.) 

Gill’s Bible, 9 vols. quarto. 

Scott’s Bible, 3 vols. quarto. 

Vesey’s Chancery Reports, 22 vols. octavo. 

East’s Reports, 16 vols. octavo. (Two editions have been 
pubhshed.) 

Pinkerton’s Voyages and Ti-avels, 6 vols. quarto. 

Johnson’s Dictionaiy, 2 vols. quarto. 

Besides several editions of Shakspeai'e—of Hume, Smol- 
let, and Bisset’s England, and other historians—of Latin and 
Greek classics, and translations therefrom, &c. &c. 

The sum of 60,000 dollars was paid in Philadelphia, for the 
copyright of a single work—Marshall’s Life of Wasliington. 


PERIODICAL WORKS. 


113 


Periodical Works. 

Literary Journals. 

The first litenuy journal published in Philadelphia was 
printed in 1741, by Benjamin Franklin, who called it “ The 
General Mag-azine and Historical Chronicle.” It existed only 
six months. Several attempts were subsequently made to 
establish mag-azines of literature, but the wealth and literary 
taste of the country were not sufficiently advanced. In 1787, 
tlie American Museum was commenced by Mathew Carey, 
and conducted with abihty. Twelve volumes of this valuable 
work were published, when the insufficiency of patronag-e 
compelled the editor to abandon it. The Port Folio, estab¬ 
lished in 1801, by the late lamented Mr. Dennie, was, under 
his editorship, one of the most entertaining“ miscellanies that 
has appeai*ed in any country. It is published at present in 
monthly numbers. The Analectic Magazine, commenced in 
1813, was for some time edited by Washing-ton Irving-, and 
bore the marks of his talents. Numerous otlier literary jour¬ 
nals have sprung up witliin twenty years, but their existence 
has been generally ephemeral. The following is a con’ect 
list of all the periodical works (except newspapers) at pre¬ 
sent published in Pliiladelphia. 

Quarterly. 

The Philadelphia Jommal of the Medical and Physical Sci¬ 
ences. Supported by an Association of Physicians, and 
edited by N. Chapman, M. 1)., Professor of the Institutes 
and Practice of Physic, and Clinical Practice, in the Univer¬ 
sity of Pennsylvania. Eight volumes have been published. 

The American Medical Recorder of Original Papers and 
Intelligence in Medicine and Surgery. Conducted by an 
Association of Physicians In Philadelphia, Baltimore, and 
Norfolk. Seven volumes have been published. 

The Journal of Foreign Medical Science and Literature, 
being a continuation of the Eclectic Repertoiy. Conducted 
by John D. Godman, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy and Phy¬ 
siology. Fourteen numbers have been published. 

Monthly. 

The Port Folio. Edited by John E. Hall, Esq. Seven¬ 
teen volumes have been published. 

K 


114 


NEWSPAPKHS. 


The American Monthly Magazine. Edited by James 
M’Henry. Seven niunbers have been published. 

The Museum of Foreign Literature and Science. Four 
volumes have been published. 

The Cliristian Advocate. ' Nineteen numbers have been 
published. 

The Reformer. Four volumes have been published. 


' Occasionally. 

The Advocate of Peace. 

The ^scidapian Register. Edited by several Physicians. 


Newspapers. 

The first newspaper published in Philadelphia was entitled 
the American Weekly Mercur}^ It was printed by Andrew 
Bradford, in 1719, on a half sheet of quarto paper, and pub¬ 
lished weekly. In 1723, one Keimer, whose name has been 
preserv ed from oblivion by Dr. Franklin, commenced the 
second newspaper, wliich rose rapidly into pi\blic favour some 
yeai’s afterwards, when published by Franklin. Tliis paper’ 
was subsequently enlarged, and continued weekly, under tlie 
title of the “Pennsylvania Gazette,” until vei-y recently. 

The first daily newspaper printed in the United States, 
was the “ Pennsylvania Packet, or General Advertiser,” 
which was at first printed weekly, by John Dunlap, in 1771, 
and in 1784 became a daily paper. The paper is still con¬ 
tinued under the name of “ The American Daily Advertiser.” 

There are at present printed in Philadelphia eleven daily 
newspapers, five morning and six evening, viz. 


The American Daily Advertiser 
The Philadelphia Gazette 
The Aurora 

The United States’ Gazette 
The P'reeman’s Journal 
The Democratic Press 
The American Sentinel 
The Franklin Gazette 
The National Gazette 
The Columbian Observer 
The City Register 


(morning) 

(evening) 

(morning) 

(morning) 

(morning) 

(evening) 

(morning) 

(evening) 

(evening) 

(evening) 

(evening) 


1784. 

1788. 

1790. 

1791. 
1804. 
1807. 
1816. 
1818. 
1820.- 
1823. 
1823. 


NEWSPAPERS. 


115 


At each of the offices where the above papers are printed, 
with the exception of the American Daily Advertiser and 
the City Register, there are published weekly, semi-weekly, 
or thrice a week papers, containing the principal aiiicles in 
the daily papers, without the advertisements. I'he number 
of impressions published annually by these papers, was lately 
ascertained to be 3,080,000, consuming about 8000 reams of 
paper, and giving employment in the offices to about 150 
persons. 

Besides the daily papers, the following newspapers are also 
published in tliis city. 

Three times a week. 

The Statesman. 

Weekly. 

Grotjan’s Public Sale Report. 

The Saturday Evening Post. ' 

The Philadelphia Recorder. 

The Christian Gazette, or Youth’s Herald. 

The Christian. 

The Gazetteer. , ^ 

The Liberal. > ^ 

Public Libraries. 

• I'he whole number of public libi’aries in Philadelphia is 
sixteen, of some of which we have already given a detailed 
account, but can only give the names of the others. They 


are as follows:— 

Volumes. 

1. Philadelplila Librnry, ... - 24,000 

2. Loganian,. 5000 

3. Athenaeum,. 3300 

4. Friends’, ^ -. 3000 

5. Philosophical, . 6000’ 

6. Alms-House Medical Libraiy, - - - 2500 

7. Hospital ' do. do. ... 7000 

8. Apprentices’,. 2000 

9. Mercantile,. 2000 


54,800 




LITERATURE. 


116 

Amount brought forwai'd, 54,800 

10. Law,.650 

11. Academy of Fine Arts. (Some veiy valuable 

works, presented by Napoleon, are deposited 
hei’e,). 

12. Theological, - - - - - - 2200 

13. Academy of Natural Sciences, - - 5000 

14. University, ...... 

15. German Society,.1500 

16. Medical Society,.850 


Total number of volumes, 65,000 

There are numerous smaller libraiaes belonging to different 
societies and churches, of which we have been unable to ob¬ 
tain an account. 


PART IX. 

INSTITUTIONS FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC 
INSTRUCTION, &c. 

In no city of the United States are there, it is believed, so 
great facilities for obtaining instruction' in every branch of 
human knowledge, as in Philadelphia. Institutions for educa¬ 
tion abound in all parts of the city, from \he hig'hest branch 
of science down to the elementary schools which charity or 
pubhc munificence has endowed for the poor; while excel¬ 
lent public libraries, and scientific collections, are within the 
reach of the student. Of the seminaries of pubhc instruction, 
the principal is 

The University of Pennsylvania, 

Situated in Ninth street, between Market and Chesniit 
streets. The building was erected by the state of Pennsyl¬ 
vania and originally destined for the accommodation of tlie 
president of the United States. President Washington, how¬ 
ever, declined the offer; and it was purchased, in 1798, by 
the trustees of the University. It is tliree storeys high, and 




PENNSYLVANIA tTNIVEnSITT. 


117 


ubout 100 feet square. The ascent to the building is by a 
flight of marble steps, leading into a hall containing the main 
staircase. From this liall, the next entrance is into the grand 
vestibule, which is surmounted by a dome and cupola. A 
galler}’^ runs round the vestibule, and is supported by eight 
(Corinthian columns, behind which ai-e the doors leading into 
the lecture-rooms and apartments. The offices are in the 
basement storey. 

In 1807, a lai’ge building of an octangular form was erected 
south of the main edifice, but connected with it, for the pur¬ 
poses of the medical school: appropriate lecture-rooms for 
the several professorships are here provided. 

Origin and present state. This imjDortant institution had 
its origin in an academy and charity-school, established in 
1750, under the auspices of many public-spirited citizens, 
among whom Franklin was particularly prominent. This in¬ 
stitution received a charter, and an endowment in lands and 
money, from the proprietaries, in 1753. In 1755, an addi¬ 
tional charter was granted to it, under the title of “ The Col¬ 
lege, Academy, and Chaintable School of Philadelphia;” and 
in the same year, collegiate degrees were granted to six 
pupils. 

I'his college continued in activity until 1779, when the 
legislature of Pennsylvania gave it a new charter, erecting it 
into a university, placing it under the direction of a new 
board of trustees, and authorizing the executive council to 
bestow on it so many of the confiscated estates as would 
produce an additional income of £1500 a-year. On tliis occa¬ 
sion, the first provost of the college, the Rev. Dr. William 
Smith, being supposed disaffected to the cause of the Revo¬ 
lution, was removed, and the Rev. Dr. John Ewing was ap¬ 
pointed in his place. 

Many of the friends and supporters of the old college were 
exceedingly discontented with this an-angement, and fre¬ 
quent petitions were made to the legislature for the revival 
of the college, which was at length effected, in 1789; and 
thus two institutions, with distinct professors in the arts and 
in medicine, were established. It was not long before the 
two boards perceived that this state of things was veiy inju- 
A rious to both the institutions; and, conferences being held, 
it was agreed that they should present a joint petition to the 
legislature, praying that, on certain conditions, they might 

K 2 


113 


PEXNSTLVAN'IA UNIVERSITY. 


be united. This was accordingly done, in 1791; and thus 
was finally established “ The University of Pennsylvania.” 

The University consists of the following departments:— 
the department of arts, the medical school, the depai-tment 
of natural science, and the department of law. 

Department of Arts. In tliis department there are at pre¬ 
sent but three professorships—one of moral philosophy, one 
of mathematics and natural philosophy, and one of the lan¬ 
guages. There are also but three classes—^the Senior, the 
Junior, and the Sophomore. It is believed that the college 
classes are larger, and that the course of insti’uction is more 
complete, than at any former period of the institution. It is 
acknowledged, however, by the friends of the Univei*sity, 
that many advantageous changes might be made in this de¬ 
partment. 

The officers of the college are—Rev. Dr. Frederick Beas¬ 
ley, Professor of Moral Philosophy^ and Provost of the Univer¬ 
sity ; Dr. Robert M. Patterson, Professor of Mathematics and 
Natural Philosophy, anA Vice-Provost; and James G. Thom¬ 
son, Esq. Professor' of Languages. 

Medical School of Philadelphia. 

This school is a department of the University of Pennsyl¬ 
vania. It is the most ancient and the most frequented of any 
in the United States—comprising a system of insti’uction not 
less extensive and complete than that of many of the most 
distinguished schools in Eiu’ope. The first medical lectures 
were delivered in it in the year 1765, by Dr. John Morgan, 
on the theory and practice of Medicine. The following year, 
Dr. William Shippen delivered lectures on anatomy, surge- 
ly, and midwifery. Since then, the professorships have been 
made more numerous, and the concourse of students has re- 
gulai’ly increased, vaiying, witliin a few years, between four 
and five hunefred annually. 

The present distribution of professorships is into anatomy, 
taught by Dr. Physick; materia medica, by Dr. Coxe ; the 
theory and practice of medicine and clinical practice, by Dr. 
Chapman; midwifery, by Dr. James; chemistiy, by Dr. Hare; 
surgery, by Dr. Gibson. An adjunct professoi’sliip of anatomy 
also exists, occupied by Dr. Horner. The lectures begin on 
the first Monday of October, and terminate about the first 
day of March. Clinical lectures are delivered during the 


PENNSYLVANIA rNIVERSITT. 


119 


course, twice a week, at the Philadelphia Alms-House, by 
the professors of the practice of medicine and of surgery. 

With the view of extending the benefits of medical mstiaic- 
tion to well-educated and deserving young men in limited 
circumstances, a foundation of six gratuitous studentships ex¬ 
ists. The appointments to them are made early in Septem¬ 
ber, by a committee of the trustees. All communications on 
the subject should be addressed to Joseph Reed, Esq. secre¬ 
tary to the board of trustees. 

l-he anatomical museum is extensive and valuable. It was 
founded by the late Dr. Caspar Wistar, and many valuable 
additions have been made to it by his widow. It contains a 
large number of dried preparations of the arterial and venous 
systems—corroded prepai'ations of wax injections—a fine col¬ 
lection of the supei-ficial and deep-seated lymphatics—many 
large models in wood, executed by Rush, of small bones and 
other parts, as the temporal bone, the sphenoidal bone, the 
bones of the wrist, the sethmoidal bone, the labyrinth, the 
brain. Sec.—an extensive collection of healthy and diseased 
bones—casts to illustrate the doctrines of phrenology—minute 
injections—numerous wet preparations of healthy and dis¬ 
eased structure—a fine series of human embryos, from the 
fifth week to the sixth month—a series of prepai’ations, show¬ 
ing the progress of incubation and of germination—extra ute¬ 
rine conceptions—the uterine connection between the cow 
and her young—^models in wax—large drawings, in oil co¬ 
lours, of surgical diseases; &c. See. I'he Pennsylvania Hospital 
has recently made a liberal donation to the Wistar Museum, 
of the anatomical preparations belonging to that institution. 

Respectable strangers and othera can be inti’oduced to this 
collection, by application to any of the trustees or professors. 

The commencement for confeiring medical degrees is held 
about the 8th day of April. The number of gi’aduates is 
commonly about one hundred. 

The number of medical students in 1823-4 was 424. 

Department of Natural Science. —This department has been 
established but a few years. The present professors are— 

R. M. Patteraon, Professor of Natural Philosophy. 

W. 11. Keating, - Chemistry U Mineralogy. 

T. T. Hewson, - Comparative Anatomy. 

T. Say, - Zoology. 

W. P. C. Barton, - Botany. 






120 


i;ntTCATiox. 


Law Department — Professoi*. 

Department of General Literature —Robert Walsh, Juji. 
Professor. 

Grammar School —Rev. J. Wiltbank, Master. 

Charity Schools —Master of the boys’ school,-M’Kin- 

ley. 

The pupils in all the departments, that receive instruction 
from the University, have in some years amounted to neai-ly 
one thousand in number. 

Law Academy of Philadelphia^ 

Established in 1821, under the auspices of an incorpomted 
society, composed of judg-es and members of the bar, under 
the denomination of “ 'Fhe Society for the Promotion of Leg’al 
Knowledge and Forensic Eloquence.” The Academy con¬ 
sists at present of from forty to fifty students, besides honora¬ 
ry members, who are young barristers enrolled in the list of 
students, but whose attendance is voluntary. Forensic exer¬ 
cises are held once a week, under the direction of the provost 
and vice-provost; and regular lectures are read tliree times a 
week, by the professor of the common law. As the Acade¬ 
my increases, it is intended to erect other chairs of the vari¬ 
ous branches of jurisprudence; and, when the institution sliall 
have reached a sufficient degree of maturity, to annex it to 
the University of Pennsylvania. The provost and vice-pro¬ 
vost are elected annuall)^ 

The officers for the present year are— Pairon of the Acade¬ 
my, Hon. William Tilghman, LL. D. Chief Justice of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ; Provost, Peter S. Dupon- 
ceau, LL. D.; Vice-Provost, Thomas Sergeant, Esq. late 
Attorney-General of Pennsylvania; Professor of the Common 
and Stciiute Law of Pennsylvania, Joseph Barnes, Esq. for¬ 
merly one of the Judges of the District Court for the city and 
county of Philadelphia, and now Register for the probate of 
wills and gi-anting letters of administration for the said city 
and county. 



In Locust street, between Ninth and Tenth streets. Mas¬ 
ters of the gi-ammar or classical school, Rev. Wm. Balluntine 



ET)TTCAT10y. 121 

and Mr. John Carson; master of the Eng-lish school, Mr. 
Daniel Mag'enes. 

The schools are in a prosperous condition, with about 80 
scholars, and are visited by a committee of the ti’ustees. 

This institution, orig-inally establislied in 1784, by private 
contributions, was incorporated and endowed on the 29th of 
March, 1787, by the name of “ The Trustees of the Academy 
of the Protestant Episcopal Churcli in the City of Philadel¬ 
phia.” Its funds were increased by the libeml bequest of 
Andrew Doz, Esq. formerly a trustee, and by an appointment 
made in pursuance of the last will of the late Mr. John Keble. 

By the fundamental laws established at a meeting- of the 
contributors, on the 1st of January, 1785, provision was made 
for the education of youth ^atis; and it is declared, that 

all gifts and bequests for this special purpose shall be kept 
a fund to be applied to no Other purpose wdiatever.” The 
same laws provide for an instructor in divinity, towards a fund 
for which a beginning is made. 

The trustees, sixteen in number, are elected for foiu* years, 
being divided into classes of four each, and the term of one 
class expiring in every year. 

Idle present trustees are, the Rt. Rev. William White, 
President; Rev. Dr. Blackwell, lion. Richard Peters, Charles 
N. Bancker, George Bringhurst, David H. Conyngham, Hugh 
De Haven, William Hall, Jackson Kemper, John Gardner, 
AVilliam Meredith, John Perot, Joseph Lewis, Daniel Smith, 
John C. Stocker, and John B. Wallace. 

Friends* Schools. 

The first incorporation for promoting literature in Penn¬ 
sylvania, was the cliarter gi’anted by William Penn in 1697 
to “the overseers of the schools.” Tliis body, consisting of 
fifteen persons, have under their care fourteen schools, dis¬ 
tributed in different ])arts of Philadelphia. In the school- 
house on Fourth, below Chesnut street, the Latin, Greek, 
and I lebrew languages are taught, and also mathematics and 
natural philosopliy. Lectures are delivered in this institution 
on botany, mineralogy, &c. &c. It has an observatoiy, con¬ 
taining a superior transit insti’ument, a large reflecting tele¬ 
scope, and an achromatic telescope. The philoso])hical ap¬ 
paratus is also extensive and valuable; the library contains 


122 


EUUCATIOX. 


some rare works, and the cabinet of minerals is very respect¬ 
able. 

Fellenherg School. 

In 1822, a few gentlemen to whom the principles of Mr. 
Fellenberg’s system of education were known, resolved to 
give it a trial in Philadelphia. A subscription was accord¬ 
ingly entered into, and a suitable place having been procured, 
a female was engaged for the purpose of teaching the chil¬ 
dren the rudiments of a literary education, and the art of 
plaiting straw into hats. The measure has succeeded beyond 
their most sanguine expectations, and they have been lately 
encouraged by theh success, to procure a larger and more 
central building. A house has accordingly been taken in 
Bank street, affording accommodation for conducting the 
school on an enMtrged scale. The number of pupils is now 
about eighty; their improvement in moral and mental educa¬ 
tion is very striking, and the members of tliis institution have 
the satisfaction of knowing, that they have qualified the chil¬ 
dren to obtain the means of living, by bistructing them in an 
honest and profitable art. 


Lectures on Science and the .drts. 

The opportunity afforded by a residence in Philadelphia 
for the easy acquisition of knowledge in every branch of hu¬ 
man science, will be seen from the following catalogue of 
the lectures delivered in the course of the year. It is be¬ 
lieved that no city in the world, of a similar amount of popu¬ 
lation, is so rich in public lectureships. The characters of 
many of the lecturers too, may challenge comparison with 
those of Edinburgh or Paris. 


University of Pennsylvania. 

Anatomy,.Dr. Physick. 

Adjunct Professor, - - - Dr. Horner. 

Theoiy and Practice of Medicine and 

Clinical Practice, . - - Dr. Chapman. 

Materia Medica, ... - Dr. J. R. Coxe, 

Mid wifely, - - - . - Dr. James. 

Chemistry, - - - - - Dr. Hare. 

Surgery,.Dr. Gibson, 



LKCTURES. 


123 


Natural Philosophy, 
Chemistry and Mineralogy, 
Comparative Anatomy, 
Zoolog}^ - - ' - 

Botany, ... 


Professor Patterson. 
Professor Keating. 
Dr. Hewson. 
Professor Say. 

Dr. Barton. 


Materia Meclica, 
Cliemistry, 


College of Pharmacy. 


Dr. Jackson. 
Dr. Wood. 


Pennsylvania Hospital. 

Clinical Lectui’es, by - - - Dr. Otto. 


Do. 

Do. 




Dr. Parrish. 
Dr. Hewson. 


Alms-Hoitse and Infirmary. 


Clinical Lectures, by 
Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


Dr. Chapman. 
Dr. Gibson. 
Dr. Mitchell. 
Dr. Jackson. 
Dr. Hodge. 
Dr. Harlan. 
Dr. Barton. 
Dr. Horner. 


Philadelphia Museum. 

Anatomy,.Dr. Godman. 

Comparative Anatomy, - - - Dr. Harlan. 


The Friends’ Academy. 


Botany, 

Mineralogy, 



Mr. S. W. Conrad. 


Academy of Teachers. 


Analysis of the Human Mind, - Rev. Mr. Carll. 
Book-Keeping and Mercantile Law, • Mr. Hamer, 
(irammar, - ' - - - - Mr. Chandler. 

Chemistry,.Mr. Mayo. 

Elocution,.Mr. Dennison. 


Franklin Institute. 


Natural Philosophy, 


124 


lECTURES. 


Chemistry and Mineralog^i'^, - - Professor Keating". 

Architecture, ... - Mr. Strickland. 

Practical Mechanics, ... 

Medical Socieiy. 

A lecture on a medical sul)ject is read before the Medical 
Society, on every Satui'day evening, during tire winter. 


Phrenological Society. 


Phrenology, and the Sciences connect¬ 
ed with it, . . - - 


Drs. Bell. 

Coates. 
DaiTach, &c. 


Lectures not connected with public institutions or societies. 


Theory and Practice of Medicine, 

Dr. Chapman. 

Midwifery, 

- 

- 

Dr. Dewees. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Shoemaker. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Bond. 

Practice of Medicine, 

- 

. 

Dr. Parrish. 

Surgery, 

- 

- 

Dr. ParTish. 

Do. 


- 

Dr. Hodge. 

Do. 

. 


Dr. Hewson. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Harris. 

Anatomy, 

- 

- 

Dr. Godman. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. HorTier. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Harlan. 

Practical Anatomy, 

. 

. 

Dr. Godman. 

Do. 

. 

- 

Dr. Honrer. 

Anatomy as applied to the Fine Arts, 

Dr. Godman. 

Do. - - do. 

. 

Dr. Bell. 

Chemistry, 

- 

- 

Dr. Bache. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Mitchell. 

Do. 

- 

- 

Mr. Greene. 

Chemistry and Natur’al Pliilosophy, 

Mr. Tucker. 

Pathology, - - • 

- 

- 

Dr. Bell. 

Pysiology, 

- 

- 

Dr. Bell. 

Do. 

- 

- 

Dr. Meigs. 

Do. 

. 

. 

Dr. Coates. 

Anatomy and Sru’gery, 

- 

- 

Dr. M’Clellan. 

Medical Botany, 

- 

- 

Dr. Barton. 

Materia Medica and Phai’macy, 

Dr. Wood. 



SCHOOLS. 


125 


Most of these lectures are delivered regxilurly during* the 
summer as well as in the winter. 


There are in Philadelphia many other academies and semi¬ 
naries besides those enumerated, in wliicli classical learning 
and the mathematical sciences are buight, but the limits of 
this work do not enable us to give any account of them. 


IxSTHUCTIOlSr OF THE PoOR. 

1. The Public Schooh. 

For the education of the children of those who are without 
the means of procuring private instruction, ample provision 
is made, under certain acts of the legislature of tliis state, at 
the public expense. Under the system of free education 
established by law for tlie city and* county of Philadelphia, 
every indigent child is entitled to the benefit of instruction at 
a suitable school, and the most approved means are provided 
to induce all the objects of the benefit to avail themselves of 
their privilege. The extent of the appropriations provided 
to be made, is limited only by the amount requisite to cany 
the system into full and complete execution. 

The instruction of the indigent children throughout the 
state of Pennsylvania, is a subject of constitutional provision. 
By Art. VII. Sect. 1. of the constitution, it is directed “That 
the legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide 
by law for the establishment of schools throughout the state, 
in such manner, that the ])Oor may be taught gratis.” 

In pursuance of this constitutional direction, and in con¬ 
formity with the wishes of the public, the legislature of this 
commonwealth have enacted numerous laws, providing for 
the free instruction of the indigent children throughout the 
state. Some of these laws specially concerned the city and 
county of Philadelphia. These acts were framed in a spirit 
of libei-ality; but it was obvious, that the desired end of ex¬ 
tending a just and available opportunity of suitable instruction 
to all the indigent, was not effected. Much attention was 
given to the subject, and several changes, with a view to im¬ 
provement, were introduced by new acts and supplements. 
At length the act of assembly establishing tlie system now in 
L 



126 


SCHOOLS. 


operation, was passed the 3d day of March, 1818, entitled 
“ An act to provide fortlie edncadon of children at the public 
expense, within the cjty and county of Philadelphia.” By 
the provisions of this act and its supplejnents, a new sys¬ 
tem of free instruction has been established in tlie city of 
Philadelphia, the Northern Liberties, Kensing-ton, Penn Town¬ 
ship, Southwark, and Moyamensing*, and important improve¬ 
ments have been made in the system in use m the otlrer parts 
of the county. According to the laws now in force, the city 
and county of Philadelphra are erected into a district, de¬ 
nominated “ The First School District of the State of Penn¬ 
sylvania.” The district is divided into sections, of wliich 

The City of Philadelphia is the First Section. 

The Northern Liberties and Kensington are the Second 
Section. 

Southwark and Moyamensing are the Tliii’d Section. 

Penn Townsliip is the Fourth Section. 

It is over these four sections tliat the new and peculiar 
system is established at the present time. 

For the first section, twenty-four directors are appointed 
by the select and common councils. 

For tlie second section, six directors are appointed by tire 
commissioners of the incorporated part of the Northern Liber¬ 
ties, and six by the commissioners of Kensington. 

For the third section, six directors are appointed by the 
commissioners of Southwai'k, and six by the commissioners 
of Moyamensing. 

For the fouilh section, six directors are appointed by tlie 
commissioners of Spring Garden. 

The appointment of the directors is made annually between 
the 1st and 20th day of January, in each year. They perform 
their duties without pccuniaiy compensation, but ai'e ex¬ 
empted from serving as jiuors, arbitrators, overseers of the 
poor, or managers of the Alms-House, and, except in time of 
war, from militia duty. 

Immediately after their appointment, the directors meet in 
their respective sections, and elect from among themselves one 
suitable person for every six directors, to be members of a 
select body, called “ The Controllers of the Public Schools 
for the City and County of Philadelphia.” The board of 
controllers consequently at this time consists of nine mem¬ 
bers. 


SrHOOLS. 


127 


It is the duty of tlie controllers to determine the number of 
schools to he established in any section; to provide the suit¬ 
able fonns of instruction to be used therein ; to superintend 
the conduct and concerns of all the schools established under 
the provisions of the above act; to ascertain and limit the 
expense of instituting- and conducting such schools; to re¬ 
port annually to the county commissioners the amount of 
money which they may deem necessaiy to defray the expenses 
of the district for the cim-ent year, and to draw on the trea¬ 
surer of the county for the same. They have power to estab¬ 
lish a model school, to be under their immediate direction. 
Their proceedings are to be annually published, and their 
accounts examined and settled by the auditors of the county. 

It is the duty of the several boards of directors witliin their 
respective sections, to establish as many schools as may be 
determined by the controllers, to appoint teachers, and to 
provide all things necessaiy for conducting the schools so 
established, and to have the particular care and management 
of the same in their respective sections. They arc to report 
every six months the state of tlie several schools to the board 
of controllers. 

The principles of Lancaster’s system of education, in its 
most improved form, are required to be adopted in all the 
schools established by the above law in the above sections. 
All indig’ent orphan children, and children of indigent parents 
of suitable age,—that is, boys between the ages of six and 
fourteen years, and girls between the ages of five and thirteen 
years,—if approved of by the controllers or directors, as the 
case may be, are admitted into the model school, or the 
schools of the respective sections in which such children re- 
.side. The branches of learning tiiught in the schools are, 
reading, writing, arithmetic, and the geography of the United 
States; and the girls besides these, are instructed in sewing, 
knitting, &c. 

I'he board of controllers was organized on the 6th of 
April, 1818, and proceeded to establish schools for both sexes 
in the several sections. The following schools have been 
established by them, and are now open. 

The Model School, in Chester street, running from Sassa¬ 
fras, between Eighth and Ninth streets. 

The Lombard street, in J.ombai*d street, north side, above 
Sixth street. 


128 


SCHOOLS. 


The Keiisin^on, in Marlboroug-h street, Kensington. 

The Southwai’k, in Catharine sti-eet, between Third and 
Fourth. 

The Northern Liberties, in Peg-g" street, in the rear of 
Second street. 

The Spring- Garden. 

The Aloyamensing. 

The Mary street, (coloured,) in Maiy street. 

A new school-house is about to be erected in Third, above 
Brown street. 

Of these school-houses, the Model school, the Lombard 
street, the Kensington, and the Southwark schools, have been 
erected under the direction of the controllers; the other 
houses are rented by them: all contain two school-rooms, one 
for the boys and one for the girls, except the Spring Garden 
and the Maiy street houses. Tlie latter of these is for the 
coloured children. 

By the sixth annual report of the controllers made public 
on the 3d day of Febmaiy last, (1824,) it appeal’s that since 
the organization of the system in the year 1819, 10,809 chil¬ 
dren have been admitted to the schools, and that the number 
on that day belonging to the same, was 2706, of whom 1558 
were boys, and 1148 girls, and distributed as follows:— 


Boys. Girls. Total. 

331 211 542 

200 132 332 

148 173 321 

199 128 327 

97 35 132 

321 224 545 

176 180 356 

86 65 151 


In the Model School 
Lombard street 
Kensington 
Noitliern Liberties - 
Spring Garden 


Southwark 
Moyamensin 
Mary sti’eet 



1558 1148 2706 


The annual cost of the education of each pupil, including 
every expense, is four dollars. 

The above sections include the city and the adjoining dis¬ 
tricts, containing a large, dense, and compact population. 
The residue of the county, comprising the country disti'icts, 
is divided as follows:— 




SCHOOLS. 129 

The townships of Oxford, Lower Dublin, Bybeny, and 
Moreland are the fifth section. 

'rhe townships of Gemiantown, Bristol, and Roxborough 
are the sixth section. 

The townships of Blockley and King^essing are the seventh 
section. 

The township of Passyunk is the eighth section. 

In these latter sections, a difterent system of providing for 
the free education of the indigent prevails. Directors are 
chosen for the several sections by the court of quarter ses¬ 
sions for the county. The children are sent, under the direc¬ 
tion of the directors, to suitable private schools. The funds 
for instruction are to be provided by the controllei’s as for the 
former sections. The Lancasterian system is not required to 
be in any way used in these sections, nor are any public schools 
established. Provision, however, is made by the above law 
for the erection of a section or sections, for the purpose of 
establishing one or more schools, upon the same terms, and 
under the same regulations prescribed for the fii’st four sec¬ 
tions, whenever the state of any portion of the latter sections 
may require the same to be done. The power to erect such 
new section is given to the court of quaiter sessions, to be 
exercised upon the petition of twenty respectable taxable 
citizens, resident witliin tlie bounds of the proposed section. 

Citizens or strangem who may be inclined to visit the pub¬ 
lic schools, will be admitted on any day of tlie week, between 
9 and 12 A M., or between 2 and 5 P. M. For more minute 
infoi-mation respecting this interesting establishment, appli¬ 
cation maybe made to Roberts Vaux, President of iht Board 
of Controllers ; or to the Secretary y T. M. Pettit. 


Sunday Schools. 

Next perhaps in importance and interest to the public 
schools, are those which have been established for the gra¬ 
tuitous instruction of adults and children on Sundays, and the 
inculcation of moral and religious tiuth among them. It has 
been ascertained that there are in the city and liberties sixty- 
two Sunday schools, at which 8666 scholars arc taught by 
1014 teachers. The teachers are not professionally such, but 
persons who devote their time voluntai-ily to this laudable 
object. In 1816, an union was formed of several of tlie schools 
L 2 



130 


scnooLs. 


under the name of the Sunday and Adult School Union. In 
the seventh annual report of the Union institution, made on 
the 25th of May, 1824, it is stated, that the prospects of the 
institution were highly encouraging. The whole number of 
schools in connection with this Union is now 723, containing 
7337 teachers and 48,681 scholars, located in seventeen states. 
During the year 1823-4, the managers published 210,500 
books, tracts, and papers, for the use of Sunday schools. At 
the anniversary meeting of the Philadelphia Union, on the 
25th of May, 1824, it was resolved, that an American Sandaij 
School Union shovdd be established, the constitution of which 
was adopted. Veiy full and paiticular details of the progress 
and benefits of Sunday schools, may be found in the seventh 
annual report alluded to, which has been printed for public 
information. 

The officers of the American Union, elected in May, 1824, 
are—Alexander Heniy, President; Richard Dale, lliomas 
Latimer, Joseph L. Ingles, I). Bethune of New-York, Alex¬ 
ander Fridge of Baltim&re^ T. D. ^Villiams of New-IIuven^ 
C. F. Mercer of Virginia, J. Brownlee oi' Charleston, S, C. 
Vice-Presidents; Georg-e B. Claxton, Corresponding Secreia- 
inry; John C. Peclun, Recording Secretary; Hug'h De Ha¬ 
ven, Jun. Treasurer; and thirty-six manag'ers. 

Philadelphia Society fin- the Establishment and Support of 
Charily Schools. 

This excellent institution had its foundation in tlie volun¬ 
tary meetings of a few young men, in the year 1799, for the 
instruction of indigent boys in the evenings. The public 
attention being called to their meritorious labours, their funds 
increased so rapidly as to enable them to open a day school. 
In 1801, the society received an increase of funds, which se¬ 
cured their permanence, and enabled them to extend the 
sphere of tlieir activity, Chi’istopher Ludwick, a respectable 
citizen of German origin, died in that year, leaving the residue 
of his estate (after a provision for his wife) which was esti¬ 
mated at between 10 and 12,000 dollars, to the first associa¬ 
tion of persons who should be incorporated for the purpose 
of gratuitously teaching the poor of all denominations in Pliila- 
delphia. The members of the Philadelphia Society, by great 
exertions, and a severe contest as to time, with the tiaistces of 
the University, obtained tlic first charter of incorporation, and 


SCHOOLS. 131 

received from the executors of Mr. Ludwick the amount of 
his bequest. 

Since the commencement of the establishment, 5414 chil¬ 
dren have been admitted into tlie schools. During- the year 
3823, there were admitted 231 boys and 171 gii-ls, discharged 
during the same period 210 boys and 156 girls. The number 
of scholars, on the 1st of Januaiy^, 1824, was 252 boys and 
172 girls. The managers have recently established a depart¬ 
ment for the insti uction of girls in the plaiting of straw and 
the manufacture of straw bonnets and trimmings, from which 
veiy favourable results may be anticipated. ’I'he capital stock 
and real estate of tlie institution amount in vidue to 5^30,671 
83 cts., which yields an income of $1571 40cts,, besides 
which an annual sum is paid by each member, which amount¬ 
ed to $400 in 1823. The sahuies to teachers, in 1823, were 
$ 1400, and the other expenses $292 86 cts. 

The schools are kept in a house erected for the purpose 
in M alnut street, between Sixth and Seventh sti-eets. I'he 
building is 30 feet front, and 80 deep. 

'Fhe oflicers for 1824 ai-e—Jonathan Fell, President; Philip 
Garrett, Vice-President; Pichard Price, Treasurer; James C. 
Biddle, Secretary; and eighteen managers. 

Jldelphi School. 

An i)istitution under this name is situated in Gaskill street. 
It is designed exclusively for tlie instruction of coloured boys, 
of whom about 80 usually attend the school. It Is siqiported 
by members of the society of Friends, and is under the direc¬ 
tion of a board of twelve managers. 

Free School for the Education of Negro Children^ 

Under the direction of “The Associates of the late Rev. 
Dr. Bray,” in England. 

Ma.ster of the boys’ school, Solomon Clarkson; mistress of 
the girls’ school, Mrs. Ruth Hand. 

I'liis chainty was originally founded by Dr, Bray, who in 
1696 was appointed by the bishop of London his commissary 
in Maryland, and was the projector and promoter of many 
very impoi-tant schemes for the propagation of Christianit)^, 
and the improvement of the condition of the Afi’ican race. 

A hwge bequest was made to Dr. Bray and his associates, 
by Mr, D’Alone, the private secretary of King Willuun, “to- 


132 


SCHOOLS. 


wards erecting a capital fund or stock for converting the ne¬ 
groes in the British plantations,” out of the interest of which 
a stipend was paid for several years, to support a catechist 
to teach the negi’oes in Georgia. 

Unexpected and almost insuperable obstacles to the exe¬ 
cution of Mr. D’Alone’s pious and benevolent plan, induced 
the associates, in 1760, to turn their attention to the instruc¬ 
tion of negro children, for which pui^pose schools were open¬ 
ed in different parts of America; and now, besides occasional 
assistance rendered in some of the West India islands, and 
to the settlement at Sierra Leone, they have on their regular 
establishment three schools in Nova Scotia, besides the one 
established here. 

The expenses of this school are defrayed with the rents 
reserved out of a lot of ground in this city, which was pur¬ 
chased in 1774, with the benefactions of the Rev. Mr. Upcher, 
of Sudbury, in Suffolk, the income of which was appropri¬ 
ated by him “to the education of negroes.” 

The present trustees of the associates are, Louis Hayes 
Petel, Esq., Rev. Charles Parr Burney, Joshua Watson, Esq., 
Samuel Waring, Esq., Rev. Samuel Wix, and Mr. Sharon 
Turner; and the school and estates here ai’e under the imme¬ 
diate superintendence of their attorneys, William Meredith, 
Esq., James S. Smith, Esq., and Mi’. Thomas Hale, acting 
with the advice of the Rt. Rev. Bishop White, who for many 
yeai’s had them in his charge. 

The institutions of which a brief account is here given, are 
the principal establishments for the support of charity schools. 
Numerous others, however, exist, more limited in their sphere 
of operations, but producing in their combined result thg 
happiest effect upon the character of the population. Among 
these may be mentioned the Aim well School Society, esta¬ 
blished in 1796, for the free instruction of female cliildren, 
by members of the society of Friends; the Philadelphia Union 
Society, instituted in 1804, for similar purposes, by ladies, 
members of the Presbyterian Church; the free schools of the 
United Episcopal Churches, and of the German Luthemns 
and Calvinists. There is also a free school annexed to the 
University of Pennsylvania, at which, in 1823, 88 boys and 
30 girls were taught the elements of knowledge. 






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The whole number of pers'ons gt'afutfouslt/ taught at the 
pviblic schools, the Sunday schools, and by the difterent so¬ 
cieties estabhslied for the purpose, exceeds 13,000. 


TART X. 

COUliTS OF JUDICATURE, AND INSl'ITUTIONS 
CONNECTED WITH THE ADMINIS¬ 
TRATION OF JUSTICE. 

Jn Philadelpliia are held tlie several Courts of the United 
States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Supreme 
Court for the Eastern District, and the several County Courts. 

1 . Circuit Court of the United States. 

Under the present organization of the federal judiciaiy', 
this court, which consists of one of the judges of the Supreme 
Court and the district judge, is held twice in each year, on 
the lltli of April and of October. It has both original and 
appellate junsdiction. In the former case, the matter in con¬ 
troversy in civil suits must be of the value of five hui;dred 
dollars and u]) wards, and one of the parties must be a citizen 
of another shite or of a foreign country. I'he proceedings 
are either at common law or by the course of chanceiy. I'his 
couit has also original criminal jurisdiction of offences against 
the laws of the United States, or the laws of nations. Suits 
may also be brought by appeal and writ of error into the. 
Circuit Court from the District Court. The present judge 
of the Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 
is Rushrod \\'ashington. Esq. J'he court sits in the southern 
chamber on the second fioor of the County Court-House, at 
tlie corner of Sixth and Chesnut streets. 

2 . The District Court of the United States 

Is held by the district judge alone. It has four stated temis 
in each year—viz. on the tliird Mondays of February, May, 
August and Nor ember. Special .sessions arc held weekly, 
when business requires. J'liis court has jurisdiction at com 



134 


COURTS. 


mon law, to a limited extent; criminal jurisdiction, also to a 
limited extent; jurisdiction of cases arising' under the revenue 
laws of the United States; and admiralty junsdiction. The 
present district judg'e is Richard Peters, Esq. The Court 
occupies the same room with the Circuit Com't. 

3. Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for the Eastern District. 

This court possesses original jurisdiction within the city 
and county of Philadelphia, where the matter in controversy 
exceeds five hundred dollars; and appellate jurisdiction in all 
cases, by writ of error to the Common Pleas and Disti’ict 
Comts, and appeal to the Orphan’s Court. The judges sit 
in bank, to hear appeals and writs of eiTor, on the tliird Mon¬ 
days in December and March ; and courts of Nisi Prius are 
also held for thirty-three weeks in each year, if the business 
of the court require it. The present judges are, William 
Tilghman, Esq. chief justice; John Banister Gibson and 
Thomas Duncan, Esqrs., justices. The court sits in the 
northern chamber on the second floor of the County Court- 
House. 

4. The District Court for the City and County of Phila- 

delphiuy 

Was established by an Act passed in 1810, and re-organized 
and continued by another Act passed in 1821. Tlie court 
consists of three judges, two of whom sit for the trial of causes 
by jury. It has four terms for the return of process—viz. 
March, June, September, and December, and original juris¬ 
diction of all causes where the matter in controversy exceeds 
one hundred dollars, but no criminal or appellate jurisdic¬ 
tion. The present judges (whose commissions w.’ll expire 
on the 30th of March, 1825) are, Moses Levy, Esq. President; 
Joseph B. M’Kean and Benjamin R. Morgan, Esqrs. associate 
judges. The court sits in the northern room of the first floor 
of the County Court-House. 

5. The Common Pleas for the City and County of Phila- 

delphiay 

Has existed under this name from the earliest periods of 
the colony. At present, it has a very limited original juris¬ 
diction, Its principal business arises from appeals from the 


COURTS. 


135 


judgments of aldcnnen and justices of the peace, and certio- 
raris to the same tribunals. This Corn! has also jurisdiction 
of cases of insolvent debtors applying for a discharge from 
impnsonment. It has four terms—viz. March, June, Sep¬ 
tember, and December; and sits for the transaction of its 
business in the south room on the first floor of the County 
Court-House. 'Fhe judges are—John Ilallowell, Esq., Pre¬ 
sident; George Morton and Hugh Ferguson, Esqrs. associate 
judges. 

6 . Orphan’s Court. 

This is a tribunal of limited and special powers, taking 
cognizance only of cases of intestate’s estates, the accounts 
of executors, administrators, guardians, &c. It is held by the 
judges of the Common Pleas, in the same room with that 
court. The stated sessions are the tliii’d Friday of each 
month. 

7 . The Courts of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol 
Delivery^ 

Are held twice in each year for the city and county of Phl- 
delphia, by the judges of tire Supreme Court and of the 
Common Pleas alternately. The jurisdiction of this court is 
general, but in practice it is confined to cases of which the 
Uuaiter Sessions has not jurisdiction, or such as are attended 
with ciixjumstances of particular aggravation. The court 
generally sits in tire Common Pleas room. 

8 . The Quarter Sessionsy 

Held by the judges of the Common Pleas, sits four terms 
in each year, for the trial of criminal cases arising within tire 
county, and out of the bounds of the city. Its jurisdiction is 
exercised only in cases of minor feloiries and misdemeanors. 
This court is also invested M'ith cognizance of cases of roads 
and highways, cases under the poor-laws, and such as relate 
to apprentices; and has the power to gi-ant tavern licenses. 
Its sessions ai-e held in the Common Pleas room. 

9 . The Mayor’s Courts 

For the city of Philadelphia, has the same criminal juris¬ 
diction of cases arising witliin the limits of the city, as the 
Sessions has for the county. It is held by the mayor, record- 


couhts ajtd offices. 


136 

er, and three of the aldermen. It holds four stated sessions 
in each year—viz. in March, June, September, and Decem¬ 
ber ; and meets in the western room of the State-House, on 
the gi-ound floor. 

Besides these tribunals, the law has invested the aldeiTnen 
of tlie city, and the justices of the peace for the county, with 
jurisdiction of civil cases to the extent of one hundred dollars, 
with an appeal to the Common Pleas, and with a summary 
criminal jurisdiction in petty cases. The proceedings before 
aldermen and justices are conducted with celerity, and their 
offices are open at ail hours of the day for the despatch of 
business. 


Offices connected with the Administration of Justice. 

In the two wings of the State-House, and within a stone’s 
throw of each other, will be found all the public offices con¬ 
nected with the administration of justice, or the title to real 
property. The convenience of this arrangement to persons 
transacting business is very gi’eat. 

1 . Clerk of the Circuit and District Courts. 

Tills office is on the second floor of the western wing of 
the State-House. The present officer is David Caldwell, 
Esq. 

2 . Prothonotary of the Supreme Court. 

Office on the ground floor of the eastern wing, the first 
office east of the State-House. Protlionotary, Joshua Ray- 
bold, Esq. 

3 . Prothonotary of the District Court. 

Office on the second floor of the eastern wing. Prothono¬ 
tary, Randal Hutchinson, Esq. 

4 . Prothonotary of the Common Pleas. 

Office on the ground floor of the western wing; the first 
office west of the State-House. Prothonotary, Matthew 
J^andall, Esq. 


OFFICES. 


137 


5. Clerk of the Orphan*s Court. 

OfRce on the ground floor of the western wing; the third 
office west of the State-House. Clerk, Edward King, Esq. 

6 . Clerk of the Quarter Sessions. 

Office on the ground floor of the western wing, adjoining 
that of the Orphan’s Court. Clerk, John Conrad, Esq. 

7. Clerk of the Mayor’s Court. 

Office on the gi’ound floor of the eastern wing; the fourth 
office east of the State-House. Clerk, William Stewart, Esq. 

8 . Marshal of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

Office on the second floor of the western wing, adjoining 
that of the Circuit Court. Marshal, John Conard, Esq. 

9. Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia. 

Office on the gi’ound floor of the western wing, adjoining 
that of the Common Pleas. Sheriff, John Douglass, Esq. 

10 . Office for Recording Deeds. 

By the provisions of various acts of assembly, no deed of 
lands is good against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees, 
unless acknowledged according to law, and recorded in the 
county where such lands lie, witliin six months after the exe¬ 
cution, and all mortgages have prionty according to the date 
of recording them, and no mortgage has a lien until left for re¬ 
cord, except in the case of a mortgage for the pm-chase money 
of real estate, the lien of which continues for sixty days from 
the execution thereof. An index to the names of the grantors 
a^”d grantees of deeds and mortgages, is kept at the office of 
the Recorder, by an inspection of which the conveyances of 
real estate can at once be ascertiiincd, and frauds are thus 
effectually guarded against. 'I'he office for the city and 
county of Philadelphia is on the ground floor of the eastern 
wing. Recorder, George Ritter, Esq. 

11 . Office for Registry of Wills, &c. 

By the “ Great Law,” as it was termed, the body of laws 
passed at the first assembly of Pennsylvania, which was held 
at Chester, on the 7tii of December, 1682, it was provided 
M 


138 


PRISONS. 


that there should be “ a reglstiy for birt/ts, metn'iages, burial,<tt 
wills, the names of executoi*s and administiators, and g-uar- 
dians and trustees, and letters of administration,” distinct 
from the registiy. Subsequent acts of assembly have confined 
this office to the registry of wills and the granting letters of 
administi’ation. Perhaps the public convenience would have 
been promoted, and difficulties which are frequently experi¬ 
enced in tracing pedigree, &c. obviated, by retaining the pro¬ 
visions requiring a registry of births, man-iages, and burials. 
The office for Registry of Wills and Granting Letters of Ad¬ 
ministration, &c. for the City and County of Philadelphia, is 
on the ground floor of the eastern wing. Register, Joseph 
Barnes, Esq. 

12. Grand Jury Room. 

The room occupied by the grand jury, and by juries sum¬ 
moned by the sherifi’ for inquisitions, &c., is on the second 
floor of the eastern wing. 

13. Guardians of the Poor, 

Meet in a chamber on the second floor of the eastern wing, 
adjoining the grand juiy room. 

14. County Commissioners* Office, &c. 

The offices of the County Commissioners and County 
Treasui’er are on the second floor of the western wing. 

Prisons. 

There are tw'o prisons now erected within the city and 
county of Philadelpliia, and another is building. 

1. The Arch StreSt Prison, 

• Is appropriated to the reception and safe keejiing of debtors 
and untried prisoners. It is situated on the south side of Arch 
street, between Broad sti’eet and Schuylkill Sixth street. 
The number of debtors in confinement has decreased gi’eatly 
within three years, in consequence of an act of assembly 
autiioiizing the liberation of such persons, on their giving 
bond to appear at the insolvent court, to obtain a dischaige 
of their persons. The number of persons committed fw 
crimes and misdemeanors has, on the other hand, increased 


pnisoNS. 139 

considerably of late years, as will be seen by the following 
table. 

Number of untried Prisoners reiumed on the Calendar of the 
Courts of Oyer and Terminer^ Quarter Sessions^ and Mayor’s 
Courtf for the City and County of Philadelphia. 


In 1813 

596 

In 1818 

1365 

1814 

618 

1819 

1833 

1815 

989 

1820 

1474 

1816 

1158 

1821 

1716 

1817 

1196 

1822 

2010 


The number of persons committed to this prison in 1823, 
was 3582—two-thhds of whom were committed as vagrants, 
disorderly persons, or disturbers of the peace. The number 
of diseases during the same period was 604, of which there 
were 63 deaths. 


2 . Walnut Street Prison. 

The first place occupied as a prison in Philadelphia, was 
a smaU house rented for the purpose of one Pati’ick Robin¬ 
son.* 

Afteru’ards a place of greater security was erected, at the* 
south-west corner of Market and Third streets, extending on 
Market street 66 feet, and on Third street 204 feet. In 1784 
the buildings and wall were pulled down, and the ground sold 
by the government. 

The present building at the corner of Walnut and Sixth 
streets. Was commenced in 1774, in piu’suance of an act of 
the legislature. The lot on which it stands is about 200 feet 
on Walnut street, by 400 on Sixth street. The principal 
building is of stone, fronting on Walnut street, and occupies 
nearly the entire front. It is built in the most substantial 
manner, and divided into rooms of equal dimensions, 20 by 
18 feet, while a passage eleven and a half feet in width ex¬ 
tends the whole length of the building. In another adjoining 
building are contained the solitaiy cells, wliich are so con¬ 
structed as to admit light and air, but totally to exclude com¬ 
munication. 

'Pile penal code and prison system of Pennsylvania, have 
* See ante p. 16 , 



140 


PaiSONf5. 


come to be the subject of g'eneral observation, and have led 
the way to a change, in many paits of Europe and America, 
of the old and imperfect mode of punishment. How far the 
benevolent views of those by whom the present system was 
brought about have been realized, may perhaps appear from 
a short account of the former code, and the existing state of 
the prison. 

One of the first cares of William Penn’s administration, was 
the formation of a concise but complete code of criminiU law. 
Murder, “ wilhd and premeditated,” was tlie only crime for 
which he ordained the punishment of death, and this, it would 
seem, more from an idea that it was required by scriptm’e, 
than from his own conviction of its expediency. The British 
privy council, however, exercising tlie authority reseiwed to 
the parent country, as it was uniformly exercised to thwart and 
counteract all measures of moral amelioration, repealed at 
once the whole system. The assembly, nevertheless, re¬ 
enacted the laws, and they continued in force until 1718, 
when Penn died. The Enghsh penal code was then revived 
and enforced until after the revolution. In 1786, the attempt 
was made, by an act of assembly, to introduce the punishment 
of hard labour for ceitain offences until tliat time capital, and 
to confine the punishment of death to four crimes only; but 
the endeavour was unfortunate, as the only labour provided 
for the convicts was public working in the streets and on the 
roads; a species of punishment from which nothing was gained 
to the offender or to the public, while the means of escape 
were easy. After three years’ experience the law was repealed, 
and the system of hard laboiu* within the walls of the prison, 
low diet, and solitaiy confinement, was substituted. Regu¬ 
lations were enacted by law for the interior government of 
the prison, which was placed under the management of inspec¬ 
tors, chosen at stated times. I'he difficulties attending the 
introduction of the new system were, as may be imagined, 
very great. Many interests were opposed to it; many preju¬ 
dices were to be smTuounted; an open insuiTection of the 
convicts took place; and it required an unusual degree of 
zeal and perseverance in the friends of the scheme to cany 
it through. They finally however succeeded in putting the 
system into operation, and its success was for several years 
very promising. In 1794, the penal code was mitigated in a 
still further degvee, by abolisliing the punishment of death in 


rnisojTs. 


141 


all cases, except murder In the first degree, by which is de¬ 
clared to be meant “ all mui'der perpetrated by means of 
poison, or by lying in wait, or by any other kind of wilful, 
deliberate, and premeditated killing; or which shall be com¬ 
mitted in the perpeti’ation or attempt to perpetrate any arson, 
mpe, robbeiy, or burglar}'.” 

Of the regulations prescribed for the government of this 
community of convicts, and which are generally the same as 
those now in force, only a very brief account can be given 
here. On the admission of a convict he is externally cleansed, 
his former attire is taken from him, and he is clothed in the 
uniform of the jail, which consists of gray cloth, made by the 
prisoners, and adapted to the season. Regular daily ablution 
is required, and the linen is directed to be changed once a 
week. Work suited to the age, caj)acity, and fonner employ¬ 
ment of the convict is tlien assigned to him, and an account 
opened with him. lie is charged with the expense of his 
boai’d, clothes, the fine imposed on his conviction, and the 
costs of prosecution, and credited with the proceeds of liis 
labour. At the expiration of the term of servitude, half the 
amount of the surplus, if any, after deducting these chai’gefs, 
is paid to him. Instances are said to have occurred at an early 
period after tlie introduction of the system, of considerable 
balances paid to prisoners. The hours for work, for meals, 
and for repose, are stated and announced by the ringing of a 
bell. The prisoners cat at tlie same time—the blacks at a 
separate table from the whites. The food is wholesome and 
abundant, and in quality such as would be considered luxu¬ 
rious by many of the honest poor of Europe. For breakfast, 
they have good bread, and molasses and watei’. At dinner, 
half a pound of bread and beef, a bowl of soup, and potatoes 
for each. At supper, mush and molasses, and sometimes 
boiled rice. Spirituous or malt liquors are never admitted 
into the prison. Divine service is peribrmed in the chapel 
of the prison tvv'ice on each Sunday, and religious instruction 
is occasionally administered at other times. Corporal pun¬ 
ishments are prohibited. Confinement in the solitary cells, 
with its attendant low diet, has been found by experience to 
answer all the purposes of punishment. No disposition, how¬ 
ever vicious, but appears to be bettered by it; and no stub¬ 
bornness but what it tames. The seclusion from objects of 
sight or conversation is complete. The food of the criminal, 

AI 2 


142 


PRisosrs. 


which consists of only half a pound of bread per day, is given 
to him in the morning, and he is then left entirely to Ms own 
thoughts; and such is the effect of this complete abandon¬ 
ment of the unhappy being, that it is said no instance has 
occurred of a necessity for the infliction of the punishment a 
second time. 

Tlie management of the prison is committed to a board of 
Inspectors, a portion of whom are elected every six montlis 
by tlie councils of Philadelphia, the commissioners of South¬ 
wark, the Northern Liberties, and Spring Garden. The in¬ 
spectors are themselves governed by certain regulations laid 
down by acts of assembly. 

The inquiiy now naturally presents itself, what has been 
the result of the thirty years* experience of this penitentiary 
system. It is regretted that the means are not in our posses¬ 
sion for giving a complete solution to this interesting ques¬ 
tion. For a space of at least ten years after the system had 
been put into entire operation, it ceitainly seemed to answer 
the highest expectations of its benevolent founders. The 
public records showed a great decrease in crime, although 
the population was rapidly increasing in numbers and luxuiy. 
The following statements exhibit the number of convictions 
in the state, for certain offences, from 1779 to 1816. 

Number of convictions for treason, murder, robbery, 
burglary, rape, sodomy, maiming, arson, and coun¬ 
terfeiting bills of credit or coin, from 1779 to the 1st 
of November, 1786, when robbery, burglary, and 
sodomy, ceased to be capital offences, - - - 141 

(Of whom 73 were executed.) 

Number of convictions, for the same offences, from 1st 
of November, 1786, to 1794, when the punishment 
of death, except for mui'der in the first degi’ee, was 

abolished, - - .135* 

(Of whom 15 were executed.) 

Number of convictions, for the same offences, from 

1794 to 1802,. 97* 

Number of convictions, for the same offences, from 

1802 to 1810,.151* 

* In this number are also included the convictions for nttempfs to com¬ 
mit the offences, which are distinguished iu the tables from which these 
statements arc extracted. 


PRISONS. 


143 


Number of convictions, for the same offences, from 

1810 to 1816, (six years,).132* 

Number of convictions, for the same offences, from 
1817 to 1823 inclusive, (seven years,) ... 280 

The continued inci’ease of crime will appear from the fol¬ 
lowing- table of convictions for offences punishable with im¬ 
prisonment in the penitentiary, from 1794, when the system 
of labour was introduced, to 1824:— 


1794, 

1795, 

179fi, 

1797, 

1798, 

1799, 

1800, 

1801, 

1802, 

1803, 

56. 

72. 

105. 

93. 

101. 

123. 

76. 

119. 

80. 

108. 

1804, 

1805, 

1806, 

1807, 

1808, 

1809, 

1810, 

1811, 

1812, 

1813, 

76. 

82. 

121. 

119. 

146. 

120. 

97. 

166. 

117. 

150. 

1814, 

181.5, 

18/7, 

1818, 

1819, 

, 1820, 1821, 

1822, 

1823, 

135. 

225. 

309. 

301. 

353. 

, 245. 3 

03. 

338. 

331. 


The number of convicts remaining in the penitentiary, on 
the 1st of July, 1824, was 572; of whom 501 were males, 
and 71 females. The following table shows the nature of 
their offences, their ages. See. 


Males. 


I.arceny.310 

Ihirglary.57 

Forgery, and passing coun¬ 
terfeit money - - - 38 

Horse-stealing - - - 35 

ISlurder, second degree 14 

Arson.11 

Robbery. 7 

Rape. 6 

Assault, with intent to 
commit a rape - - 6 

Assault, with intent to kill 5 
Conspiracy.2 


Manslaughter - - - - 2 

Receiving stolen goods - 2 
Crime against nature - - 1 

Assault, with intent to com¬ 
mit .1 

Assault with intent to rob 1 

Perjury.1 

Assisting a prisoner to es¬ 
cape .1 

Rigamy.1 

Total 501 


Jiges. 


Under 21, - - 

Wliites. 

- 42 

Blacks. 

37 

From 21 to 30, 

- 138 

75 

From 30 to 40, 

- 90 

29 

Over 40, - - 

- 71 

19 


341 

160 











144 


PRISONS. 


Of tlie above, there have been— 


Twice convicted.93 

Three times do. -•.- 32 

Four times do..8 

Five times do.2 

Six times do..1 


136 

Fetnules. 

Larceny.63 

Jlurglary.2 

Arson.. . 2 

Passing* counteifcit money ... 1 

Perjury.1 

Concealing death of bastard child - ^ 1 

deceiving stolen goods.1 


r 

Ages. 

71 

Under 21, 

Wliites. 

- - 1 

Blacks. 

11 

From 21 to 30, 

- - 8 

27 

From 30 to 40, 

- - 10 

6- 

Over 40, - - 

- - 5 

o 

O 


24 

47 


The disproportion of blacks to whites, in this list, when 
compared with the whole amount of the population of each, 
is very striking, and leads to a very unfavourable estimate of 
the moral character of the coloured inhabitants of Pennsylva¬ 
nia. The blacks in the penitentiary amount to 207; and, ex¬ 
cept in one or two instances, are all from the city of Philadel¬ 
phia, where the total number of this species of population is 
about 13,000, from which it appears that one in sixty-five of 
them is a convict. The whole munber of blacks convicted 
and brought into the penitentiary, since 1817, is 829. The 
disproportion between the number of black females and of 
white, is still more worthy of remai'k and consideration. 














rnisoxs. 


145 


The number of diseases which occuiTed in the penitentiaiy 
during' the year 1823 was 414, and the number of deaths 21, 
of whom there were— 


Diseases. 

Deaths. 

Males, 382 

18 

Females, 32 

3 

414 

21 


Whatever may have been the reasonableness of tlie expec¬ 
tations which the success of the system in its early years in¬ 
duced, its operations during the last ten or fifteen yeiucs have 
certainly not tended to reduce the amount of crime in Penn¬ 
sylvania. The following extract from a pamphlet published 
in 1817, by authority of “The Society for alleviating the 
Miseries of Public Prisons,” will sene to exhibit the condi- 
j tion of the prison at that time as a school of refonn, wliilst it 
perhaps suggests the causes of the disappointment:— 

“It appears that after the system had been in operation 
not more than two yeai-s, sucli was its efficacy, that out of 
near 200 persons who had at different times been pardoned, 
only four had returned; that there had been but two instances 
of conviction of picking pockets or burglaries, in the city and 
county, for near two years; that the number of persons con¬ 
victed in the several courts had constantly decreased, 30 and 
upwards of a session having been frequently added to the list; 
that although tlie city and county courts were but a few days 
distant, there were but five persons for trial,” &c. 

“ Such were the means then in the power of the inspectors, 
of executing the system in its spirit and design, with the aid 
of extensive accommodations, and sufficient and suitable la¬ 
bour, tliat the rooms in the prison and the prison yard, af¬ 
forded convejuent and ample room for the separation and 
employment of the convicts; and finally, so productive was 
their labour, tliat when discharged, considerable balances 
were found in favour of some, and but few, wlio liad not more 
or less; that those balances often exceeded ten pounds, and 
that some of the prisoners appropriated part of their earnings 
to the support of their families. .Such at that time was the 
happy effect of the system, when properly executed. 

“ The present state of the penitentiary affords a melancholy 
and striking contrast. The building in which the prisoners 




146 


PRISONS. 


are confined, and the yard in which they are employed, are 
the same used for those purposes in the year 1795 : no addi¬ 
tional accommodations, either for the lodging- or employment 
of the convicts have been provided. 

“The following- facts, which appear in the recent present¬ 
ment of a respectable g-rand jury, will enable eveiy one to 
appreciate the importance, indeed necessity, of g-iving- due 
efficacy to this benig-nant system : ‘ That while thus the 
‘g-i-and juiy notice with pleasure the hig-h de^ee of order 
* and cleanliness, they are compelled by a sense of duty to 
‘ present as an evil of considerable mag-nitude, the present 
‘very crowded state of the penitentiary. The number of 
‘ persons of all classes continues to increase, so that from 
‘thirty to forty are lodg-ed lU rooms of eighteen feet square.* 
So many are thus crowded together in so small a space, and 
so much intermixed, the innocent with the guilty, the young 
offender, and often the disobedient serv^ant or apprentice, 
wnth the most experienced and hardened cidprit; that the 
institution already beg-lns to assume, especially as respects 
untried prisoners, the character of a European prison, and a 
seminary for every vice, in which the unfortunate being, who 
commits a first offence, and knows none of the aids of metho¬ 
dised villany, can scarcely avoid tlie contamination which 
leads to extreme depi-avit}^, and with which, from the insuffi¬ 
ciency of the room to form separate accommodations, he must 
be associated in his confinement. 

“There are at this time (January, 1817) 451 convicts in 
the penitentiaiy ^ of which number, 162 have been before 
convicted and pai-doned. The number of untried prisoners 
returned on the calendars, at the different sessions of the 
mayor’s court of the city and quarter sessions of the county 
of Pliiladelphia, was— 

In the year 1813, - - 516 

1814, - - 538 

1815, - - 829 

1816, - - 1058” 

The enormous increase of untried prisoners, since 1816, 
appears from the list in p. 139, ante. 

The inconveniences mentioned in tliis extract have greatly 
Increased since 1816, in consequence of the increase of tlie 
number of convicts, and have led to the foundation of a new 


rnisoKs. 147 

pemtentiar\% on a plan in many respects different from the 
one of which an imperfect account has just been g'iven. 

The New Penitentiary 

Is intended for the reception and security of prisonei’s in 
places of solitaiy confinement. The system of hard labour 
will be abandoned on the completion of this vast prison, and 
the experiment of attempting’ reformation by a total seclusion 
from mankind will be made. We are not yet possessed with 
sufficient facts to enable us to decide upon the merits of this 
plan. It will certainly receive a fair trial in the new peniten¬ 
tiary. 

The following description of the building is extracted from 
an account of it lately published by the arcliitect, Mr. Havi- 
laud:— 

“ From a knowledge of the design, it will be found, in its 
general aiTangement and parts in detail, to embrace strength, 
convenience, healtli, economy, and other desuable properties 
of the institution. 

“ In the distribution of the cells into a general foiTn, I have 
maturely considered the recommendation and objections to 
every geometrical figure, but cannot find any so well adapted 
to accomplish the main objects of the institution, as the one 
1 have made choice of. It appears to me to be a form that 
possesses many advantages in the watching, health, and su¬ 
perintendence of the prison; for, by the distribution of the 
several blocks of cells, forming so many radiating lines to the 
observatory or watch-house, which is equal in width to one 
of those blocks, a watchman can, from one point, command 
a view of the extremity of the passages of the cells, or traverse 
under cover, unobserved by the prisoners, and overlook 
every cell. When they are exercising in their yai-ds, the 
same watchman, by walking round on a platfonn three feet 
wide, to be consti’ucted on the outside of this watch-room, 
situated on a level with the first ftoor, can see into every yard, 
and detect any prisoner that may attempt to scale the minor 
walls : but if the cells had been formed on the periphery of 
this octangular or any other figure, they would have screened 
any prisoner in attempting to scale the exterior wall; it would 
not have been capable of extension, if desired at any future 
time, and rather have a tendency to obstruct than to promote 
ventilation. But this disposition of the buildings, it will be 


148 


rnisoxs. 


observed, admits and circulates the fresh air, let it come from 
what point it may; and is more convenient to the stmeture 
where the cooking- and other business of the prison, is trans¬ 
acted. 

“The seven blocks of cells which fonn the body of the de¬ 
sign, are of the most simple forai, being parallelograms, which 
by their disposition possess all the advantages of a polygon 
figure, without the expense attending it. Each building con¬ 
tains thirty-six cells, twelve feet long, eight feet w ide, and ten 
feet high, with an exercising' yard to each. The partition- 
walls between the cells are calculated to be eighteen inches 
in thickness, and their foundation three feet deep ; the wall 
next the passage is of similar tliickness and depth; tlie exte¬ 
rior waU to be two feet three inches thick, and four feet below 
the level of the yard. In each cell there is a floor of masonry- 
eighteen inches in thickness, on which are proposed to be laid 
long em'b-stones, ten inches thick, that extend the whole 
width of the cells, and, terrninating under the partition-w all, 
would eflectually prevent escape by excavation. The win¬ 
dows are inserted in the barrelled ceiling, and formed by a 
convex reflector of eight inches diameter, tenned dead eyes. 
This would be found to give ample light to the cells, from a 
position the best for ventilation and the admission of light, 
and a desirable one from its being out of the reach of the 
prisoners climbing up to escape, or to converse from one cell 
to another. This glass is hung up at the apex of a cast-iron 
cone that is securely fixed in the solid masonry of the ceiling, 
and would.be found a cheap and excellent window. A simple 
bed is provided, that is proposed to be hung against the wall, 
to which it is made to button in the day-time, with the bed¬ 
ding to be enclosed in it, out of the way. It will be under¬ 
stood, that the wall next the passage contains, annexed to each 
cell, a feeding-drawer and peep-hole. I'he drawer is of cast 
iron, six inches deep and sixteen wide, projecting a sufficient 
depth into the cell, to form, when closed, a table of twelve 
indies from the surface of the wall on the inside, from which 
the prisoner will eat his meals. This drawer on the back is 
intended to be made with a siopy that, when drawn out by 
the keeper in the passage, for the purpose of depositing food 
or raiment, closes the aperture behind, and consequently 
prevents the prisoner seeing the superintendent, or receiving 
by this opportunity any thing but what is intended for him. 


l-RISOXS. 


149 

P»y this means, all the conveniences of a door are embraced, 
with more security and privacy, and at considerably less ex- 
]jense than by the introduction of one which would facilitate 
the evil of the prisoners’ conversing' from one door to another, 
and defeat in a great measure tlie object of solitary confine¬ 
ment. 

“A hollow cone of cast iron is fixed securely in the wall, 
with its apex next the passage, from which small aperture, of 
one-fourth of an inch in diameter, you can command a view 
of the cell unobserved by the prisoner: a stopper is slid over 
this peep-hole, and fixed on the outside, so that no person 
can make use of it but the superintendent. The door of the 
enti-ance is next the yard, properly secured with the most 
approved fastenings, and provided with a wrought iron grated 
door, in addition to a strongly framed wooden one. This 
wooden door being kept open in the summer, or when occa¬ 
sion may recpiire it, permits the fresh air to pass into the cell, 
and the iron grated one secures the prisoner. There is also 
a strong iron door intended to be fixed on the outside wall of 
the exercising yards. In disposing of the necessary accom¬ 
modations of each cell with economy, security, and conveni¬ 
ence, there is nothing so difficult to arrange with advantage 
as the means of conveying away the filth, where the main 
object of the institution is solitude. Various have been the 
plans suggested and adopted in similar cases; but they have 
failed more or less in their purposes. It is of the first im¬ 
portance that a conti'ivance should be adopted, whereby the 
contents of the privy should be discharged, the least liable to 
emit any unwholesome air from the conveyance, or prove 
the medium of conversing from one cell to another. Escape 
has been effected by the facility which these plans have af¬ 
forded for conversation, and other improper intercourse. 
Suchai-e the evils that have hitherto attended the adoption of 
them. A well to each cell, it is obvious, would be unadvisa- 
ble ; and to construct it in the yard would be useless and in¬ 
convenient. A portable pan would destroy, in a great mea¬ 
sure, solitude, from the consequent attendance every day in 
the cell to remove it. With these views of the properties of 
the privy, it will be seen how far I have perfected this impor¬ 
tant appendage to the cells. A reservoir is constructed in 
the centre of the prison under the floor of the watch-house, 
N 


150 


pnisoNfl. 


arched over, of sufficient capacity for the puq^oses of the 
jail: from this basin of water are disposed under ground, out 
of the reach of the frost, seven cast iron main pipes or sewers, 
say of eight inches diameter in the bore, one immediately 
positioned under the centre of the passages as shown in the 
plan, into which is connected a pipe of four inches diameter, 
from each cell, of sufficient height to reach sixteen inches 
above the floor of the cell: the water being introduced into 
those pipes, is, by means of a ball-cock in the reservoir, re¬ 
gulated to a height level within six inches of the seat of the 
privy in the cell. By tliis means, the pipe is always kept full 
of water, that prevents the prisoners from speaking through 
them, and the return of any foul ^ into the cell: it naturally 
dilutes the urine that falls, and of course destroys its power 
of corroding the iron pipes. At the exti’emity of each block 
of cells is fixed a sluice-gate, that stops the water, and lets it 
off as often as may be found necessary, by wliich means the 
filth of the pipes is effectually cleansed with rapidity and 
ease; and by stopping, it fills tlie pipe instantaneously with 
a fresh supply of water, the dirt is carried into a common 
sewer, and conducted into the culvert of the adjoining street, 
or a well at the extremity of each mdiating block. 

“ The ventilator of the cell is in the form of a funnel, station¬ 
ed three feet over the seat of the privy, with a small pipe, 
six inches in diameter, connected at its apex, tlirough which 
the air passes from the cell, tlu'ough tlie ceiling into the open 
air. The passages ai’e amply lighted and ventilated by a 
circular window at each end, four* feet in diameter, and six 
conical windows in the ceilings. The arched ceilings of the 
cells and passages form a solid roof of masonry, possessing 
many advantages over a roof of wood: it is warmer in winter, 
and cooler in summer; and is the saving of several thousand 
dollars, by its substitution for the wooden one, that would 
require a groined ceiling in addition to it; whereas this acts 
as both, and admits of the window in the ceiling of the cells 
—the benefits arising from which I have already spoken of. 
These roofs may be covered with copper, or with a cheap 
and dm-able cement, impervious to water. 

“ The cells are heated by hot air supplied from two stoves 
constructed in the rooms at the end of the buildings next to 
the obseiTutory. By tliese means, the objections to tlie in- 


PRISONS. 


151 


troduction of a separate fire-place to each cell is removed, 
and superintendence effected witli gi'eater economy, securi¬ 
ty, and privacy. ^ 

“ A covered way is introduced from each radiating' building 
of the cells to the centi’e, for the convenience of superintend¬ 
ing the prisoners, and conveying their food in bail weather. 
I'liis cheap screen is covered with a shingled roof, and en¬ 
closed by weather-boarded sides, in which are inserted win¬ 
dows, and finished with a floor. 

“ The exterior wall is estimated at thirty feet high from the 
level of the ground on the inside, and covered with an in¬ 
clined coping, that projects on the inside four feet, and will 
frustrate any attempt to climb over it. This wall encloses an 
area of 650 feet square, in which the cells are disposed. 

“ Every window in the front building is constructed with 
an iron grating, and the doors well bolted and locked, on the 
most improved plan ; and every other necessary precaution 
adopted to render the prison secure.” 

The corner-stone of the front building of this penitentiary 
was laid on the 22d of May, 1823, when an appropriate ad¬ 
dress was delivered by Robei-ts Vaux, Esq., one of the com¬ 
missioners appointed by the governor. 


PART XI. 

ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES’ 
GOVERNMENT IN PHILADELPHIA. 

Post Office. 

'['he Philadelphia Post Office is situated in Chesnut street. 
No. 116, between Third and Fourth streets, and is opened 
daily from sunrise to sunset, except on Sundays, on which 
day it is opened from eight until nine in the morning, and 
from one until two in tlie afternoon. Great punctuality i.s 
obseiwed in closing the respective mails at the minute, and 
strangers wishing to transmit letters by mail, are advised to 
be a little before the time, as it is impossible to send a letter 



152 


I’OST OFFICE. 


b)’’ that day’s mail, even should it come hot a moment after 
it is closed. This rule has been established and acted upon 
for many years, and is never deviated from, except where 
letters containing- information of sickness or death are re¬ 
quested to be forwarded, in wliich cases, the postmaster, 
being- convinced of the contents, will forward such letter, if 
it be deposited any time before the mail leaves the office. 

There are six carriers, who have five assistants, all engag-ed 
in delivering- letters from the post office. Their compensation 
is limited by law to two cents for the delivery of each letter. 
They g-o out three times a day, viz. after the an-ival of the 
eastern, southern, and western mails, and carry letters to all 
the populous parts of the city. A strang-er as well as citizen 
would find it the most promptAvay of having- a letter delivered. 
Almost every person within the walk of the can-ier is known 
to him. 

There are six clerks eng-ag-ed in the post office, whose du¬ 
ties are veiy arduous, a§ they are obliged to be at their post 
from two o’clock in tlie morning until sunset. 

A hst of letters remaining in the post office is published 
twice a month, in the Franklin Gazette, and a copy is exhi¬ 
bited at the door of the post office. It is absolutely requisite 
that the person applying for an advertised letter, should men¬ 
tion that it is adveilised; for the letters after they are thus 
published are removed to a separate case, which is not looked 
over, unless such notice is given by the applicant. 

The receipts for postage at the Philadelpliia post office for 
1823, were $77,000. The postage on newspapers received 
is about $ 1800 a-year. 

Establishment of the Mails for the year 1824. 

EASTERN MAIL. 

Mails for New-York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, Vermont, New-Ham])shire, and Maine States—an*ive 
daily at 7 A. M., and close daily at 2 P. M. 

For Fraukford, Holmesburg, Andalusia, Bristol, and Mor- 
risville. (Pa.)—ai-rive daily at 7 A. Id., and close daily at 2 
P.M. 

For Hulmeville, (Pa.)—amve on Tuesday, Thursday, and 
Saturday, at 7 A, M., and close on Monday, Wednesdav, and 
Friday, at 2 P. M. 


POST OFFICE. 


153 


For Newtown and Attleboroug'h, (Pa.)—anive on Thurs¬ 
day, at 7 A. M., and close on Tuesday, at 2 P. M. 

For Burlington, Trenton, Princeton, Brunswick,.Wood- 
bridge, Rahway, Elizabeth-Town, Newark, Jersey City, Am¬ 
boy, and Morristown, (N. J.)—arrive daily, at 7 AM., and 
close daily, at 2 P. M. 

For Bordentown, New Mills, New Egypt, Flemington, 
Pittstown, Van Syckle’s, and New Hampton—arrive on 
Wednesday, at 7 A. M., and close on Saturday, at 2 P. M. 

Via Easton, (Pa.) for Sussex county, and Schooley’s Moun¬ 
tain, Morris county, (N. J.)—amve on Tuesday, at 7 A. M., 
and close on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, at 3 A. M. 

All other offices in East New-Jersey—an-ive on M'ednes- 
day, at 7 A. M., and close on Monday, at 2 P. M. 

SOITTHEUN MATE. 

Mails for Delaware State, and the Eastern Shore of Mary¬ 
land and Virginia—arrive dailv, at 1 P. M., and close daily, 
at 7 A. M. 

MarjJand, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Geor¬ 
gia, and Alabama States—aiiive daily, from 8 to 11 A. M,, by 
steam boat, according to the state of the tide and weather; 
and close daily, at 11 A. M. 

Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana States, and Arkansas 
Territorj'—atrive on Sunday, Tuesday, and P'riday, from 8 to 
11 A. M., and close on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 
11 A. M. 

Ohio South, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri States, 
and Washington, Brownsville, Union Town, (Pa.) and Wheel¬ 
ing, (Va.)—arrive on Sunday, \Vednesday, and Friday, fi'om 
8 to 11 A. M., and close on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursdav, 
at 11 A. M. * 

When the steam boats stop running, the southern mail will 
arrive at 1 P. M. and close at 7 A. M. 


Mails for Pittsburg, (Pa.) and intermediate offices, and via 
Pittsburg, for Ohio, States west, and Michigan Temtory— 
an-ive daily, at 4 P. M., and close daily, at 3 A. M. 

Via Harrisburg, (Pa.) for Mifflin and Huntingdon counties 
—arrive on 'Fuesday and Satuiday, at 4 P. M., and close on 
Sunday and Thursday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Harrisburg for Halifax, (D. cy.) Seeliffls Grove, (U. cy.) 
N 2 


154 


POST OFFICE. 


Sanbury and Northumberland, (N. cy.) Danville and Milton, 
(Ca. cy.) Williamsport, (L. cy.) and Bellefonte, (Centre cy.) 
—arrive on Monday, at 6 A. M. and Wednesday, at 4 P. M., 
and close on Thursday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Columbia, (Pa.) for York and Adams counties—arrive 
on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 4 P. M., and close 
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Downing-stown, (Pa.) for Rennet Square, New London 
ki Roads, Oxford, (Ch. cy.) and Marshalton—anive on 
Wednesday, at 4 P. M., and close on Tuesday, at 3 A. M. 

West Chester, (Pa.)—arrive on Monday, Wednesday, and 
Saturday, at 4 P. M., and close on Thurday, at 6 A. M, and 
Tuesday and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Kimberton, (Ch. cy.) Charleston, and Valley Works, (Pa.) 
—airive on Tuesday and Friday, at 4 P. M., and close on 
Wednesday and Saturday, at 6 A. M. 

Mails for Reading-, (Pa.) and intei-mediate offices—amve 
on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 6 A. M., and close on 
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Reading-, for Berks, Lebanon, and part of Dauphin 
counties—arrive on Monday and Saturday, at 6 A. M., and 
close on I’uesday, Thm-sday, and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Reading, for Northumberland, Union, Columbia, Ly¬ 
coming, Centre, Clearfield, Tioga, Potter, and M’Kean—amve 
on Monday, at 6 A. M., and close on Tuesday, at 3 A. Mi 

Mails for Easton, (Pa.) and intermediate offices—an-ive on 
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 6 A. M., and close on 
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Easton, (Pa.) for Pike and Wayne counties, (Pa.)— 
arrive on Tuesday, at 6 A. M., and close on Thursday, at 3 
A. M. 

Mails for Bethlehem, (Pa.) Nazareth, Montgomeiy Square, 
Quakertown, Allentown, White Marsh, and Kreidersville— 
an-ive on Tuesday, Thuisday, and Saturday, at 6 A. M., and 
close on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thiu-sday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Bethlehem, for Wilkesbarre and intermediate offices, 
Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Bradford counties—an-ive on 
Tuesday, Thm-sday, and Saturday, at 6 A. M., and close on 
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, at 3 A. M. 


POST OFFICi:. 


155 


Mails for Malaga, Glassborough, Melville, JEtna Furnace, 
Cumberland Furnace, and Beesly’s—amve twice a week, and 
close on Wednesday and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Mails for Bridgetown, (W. N. J.) and intennediate offices 
—arrive daily, at 3 P. INI., and close daily, Monday excepted, 
at 3 A. M. 

Via Bridgeto^vn, for Cedarv'ille, Fairton, and Biding Creek 
—amve on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 3 P. M., and 
close on Tuesday, Tluu’sday, and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Via Bridgetown, Port Elizabeth, Dennis’s Creek, Cape 
May C. H., and Cape Island—amvx on Monday and Friday, 
at 3 P. M., and close on Tuesday and Friday, at 3 A. M. 

For Salem, (N. J.) Swedesborough, and Woodstown— 
arrive on Monday, W''ednesday, and Friday, at 3 P. M., and 
close on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 3 A. M. 

Mails for Eversham, Sooy’s Inn, and Tuckerton—anive on 
Tuesday, at 4 P. M., and close on Thursday, at 3 A. M, 

Mails for May’s Landing, Absecom, Iladdonfield and 
Somer’s Point, Mount Holly, and Moore’s Town—arrive daily, 
at half past 12 A. M., and close daily, at half'past 12 P. M. 

Swiftsure mail, via Jenkintown and New Hope, (Pa.) 
Somerset C. H., Plainfield, Springfield, Boundbrook, and 
Scotch Plains, (N. J.)—an'ive on Monday, W''ednesday, and 
Friday, at 6 A. M., and close on Monday, Wednesday, and 
Friday, at 6 A. M. 

NoiTistown, (Pa.)—an-ive on Monday, Wednesday, and 
Friday, at 11 A. M., and close on Tuesday, Thursday, and 
Saturday, at half past 12 P. M. 

Mails for Germantown, (Pa.)—anive daily, at 8 A. M., and 
close daily, at 4 P. M. 

Letters must be left at the Post Office witliin the time spe¬ 
cified, to insure going in the mail of the day^ and Newspa¬ 
pers half an hour before that time. As tJiere are several 
places of the same name in the United States, it is necessary 
that the directions should be paiticular; the states should be 
distinguished, and, when it might be doubtful, the counties. 


156 


POST OFFICE, >'AVy-TARD, &.C. 

When letters are not for a post town, the nearest post town 
ought to be mentioned. 

The office is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, except on 
Sundays, the fourth of July, and Christmas day, when it is 
open from 8 to 9 A. M., and from 1 to 2 P. M. 

Persons wishing to pay postage when the office is shut, can 
enclose the money with the letter, directed to “ The Post 
Office.” Those who keep accounts with the carriers, or 
office, will please to enclose the letter directed in the same 
manner, with a request that the postage be charged to their 
account. 

The. Navy-Yard. 

The United States’ Navy-Yard is situated .at the southern 
end of Swanson street, and contains an area of about twelve 
acres. It was purchased in the year 1801, for the sum of 
37,500 dollars: it is at present assessed at 150,000 dollars. By 
an Act of Assembly, passed in 1818, no street is to be run 
through it, so long as it is used as a navy-j ard. The area is 
enclosed on three sides with a high and substantial bnek wall, 
the fourth side fronting on the Deiaware. 'riie yard contains 
a mould-loft, for modelling ships of war—a blacksmith’s shop, 
in which all the iron work is made for the jmbiic ships built 
on tills station—an hospit.al—marine barracks, spacious enough 
to contain 150 men, with quartei-s for the - officers, together 
with a handsome house for the quarters of the commanding 
officer of the marines. 'I’he shears, for fixing masts, is 12U 
feet higli, and is said to be the most complete in the United 
States. 

There are building, at this yard, a large tliree-decker, over 
which there is a frame bulkiing, 270 feet in length by 103 
in height above high-water mai'k, and 84 feet in width at the 
eaves; and a forty-four gun ship, which could be launched 
in sixty days, over winch also there is a large frame building, 
210 feet in length by 80 feet in height, and 74 feet broad. 
Both ships are built under the direction and construction of 
S. Humphreys, Esq., naval constmetor. The marines on 
this station ai'e commanded by major Gamble. 

The Mint. 

The Mint of the United States was established in the year 
1791, and by several successive Acts of Congress has been 
continued at Pliiladelphia. 


Ml XT, AUSEXALS, &C. 157 

Tlie present establishment of the mint is in North Seventh 
street, between Market and Arch streets. 

Daring* the year 1823, the following* coins were struck at 
the mint:— 

Gold coins, 14,485 pieces, amounting to $ 72,425 

Silver do. 2,152,000 do. do. 895,550 

Total, 2,166,485 do. do. $ 967,975 

The present officers of the mint are—Samuel Moore, Direc- 
tor; James Rush, Treasurer; Adam Eckfeldt, Chief Coiner; 
Joseph Richardson, Assayer; Joseph Cloud, Melter and Re- 
Jiner; William lAeass, Engraver; and George Ehrenzeller, 
Clerk. 

Arsenals. 

The United States have two arsenals or depots for military 
supplies and munitions, in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia; 
one on th? Schuylkill, and another near Frankford. 

The Schuylkill arsenal is on the east bank of that river, 
below South street, and near the road leading to Gray’s ferry. 
The buildings were erected about the year 1800. The prin¬ 
cipal edifices are foui’ large store-houses of brick, tliree sto¬ 
reys high, forming a hollow square. There is also a brick 
house for the residence of the commanding officer, and seve¬ 
ral out buildings, among which is the powder-magazine. 

This arsenal is the depot of clotliing, camp equipage, and 
quartermaster’s stores, from which the army of the United 
Stiites receives its supplies. It is under the charge of Peter 
Faysoux, military storekeeper, and subject to the genei*al 
superintendence of Callender Irvine, Esq., commissaiy-gene¬ 
ral of purchases. 

'Fhe Frankford arsenal is distant about four miles from the 
city, and has been recently b\iilt. It is occupied by the United 
States as a militai*)’ post and depot. 

Loan Office. 

The business of the Loan Office, the payment of the annual 
interest on tlie public debt, the transfer of certificates thereof, 
the payment of pensions, &c., is now pertermed by the Bank 
of the United States. 

T’he office for the transaction of tliese affairs, is the first 
room on the left hand of the principal entrance into tlie bank. 






( 158 ) 


PART XII. 

CANALS, NAVIGATION COMPANIES, TURNPIKE 
ROADS, AND BRIDGES. 

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. 

The execution of this work has long been a favourite ob¬ 
ject with the citizens of Philadelphia. Su\weys and plans 
are still in existence, which were executed nearly sixty years 
ago; and since that time many efforts have been made for its 
accomplishment. Public spirit, however, has been so fully 
occupied in other works of more immediate necessity, that 
the line of this canal was not actually located until last winter. 
Active operations were commenced on the opening of the 
present season, since which the work has been prosecuted 
with so much ardour and skill as to present the most flattering 
prospects of success. 

The canal commences on the Delaware river, about forty 
miles below Philadelphia, crosses the peninsula in a direction 
nearly west, and enters the tide waters of the Elk river, a 
tributary branch of the Chesapeake. It is about fourteen 
miles in length, sixty feet broad, and ten feet deep, with a 
rise of eight feet only above the tide to its summit level. It 
is undertaken on a scale of magnificence worthy of our city: 
its dimensions are most ample, and adapted to the passage of 
the largest craft of the Chesapeake and Delawai’e bays; the 
drains consti’ucted merely for the passage of waste water 
being nearly equal in magnitude to the lai-gest canal of the 
state of New-York. It presents the gi-eatest excavation which 
has ever been attempted in any countiy. Its eastern termi¬ 
nation is already guarded by Fort Delawai'c, one of the no¬ 
blest fortresses on this side of the Atlantic, and will be pro¬ 
tected by a second directly on its banks. At its entrance into 
the Delaware is a spacious harbour, twenty feet deep at low 
water, capable of containing 200 vessels of a large class, and 
affording a safe shelter against the dangers of the bay, at 
every season of the yeai\ 


CAXAtS. 


159 


Nor is the mag’nlficence of tlie work disproportioned to its 
importance. It is the g-reat link, which connects the north 
with the south ; which opens to the rich interior of Pennsyl¬ 
vania and New-York, a direct, safe, and profitable intercourse 
with all the southern states; which g-ives to those states new 
markets for the sale, and new ports for the shipment, of their 
staple jjroductious. More useful too, if possible, in war than 
in peace, it will facilitate the operations of our armies, and 
permit the secure and easy ti’anspoitation of all the means of 
national defence. 

The cost of tills work is estimated to be about 1,200,000 
dollars. 

The Union Canal 

Is the chief link of the great chain of inland navigation, by 
which it is hoped that the eastern and western rivers of Penn¬ 
sylvania will at an early day be connected, and a vast trade 
in a good degree secured to Philadelpliia. Its route is in a 
western direction from the river Schuylkill, at the mouth of 
the 'Fulpehocken creek, near Heading, in the county of Berks, 
to the Susquehanna river, near Middletown, in the county of 
Dauphin. Its length is about seventy miles, of which thirty- 
four are along the valley of the Tulpehocken, the next three 
miles are across the summit level near Lebanon, and the re¬ 
maining thirty-three miles are through the valleys of the 
Quittapahllla and Swatara. 

In tlie year 1791, a company was incorporated, under the 
name of “The Schuylkill and Susquehanna Navigation,” for 
the purpose of making this canal, who exjjended about 
225,000 dollars upon the work; upwards of 50,000 dollars of 
which were absorbed by the exorbitant damages assessed for 
the sti'lp of land occupied by about seven miles of canal. The 
failure of their funds, the hostility of the neighbouring coun¬ 
try, and other misfortunes, produced an entire abandonment 
of the undcilaking*, and almost a dissolution of the corpora¬ 
tion. About the year 1808, by the exertions of i^Ir. Charles 
G. Paleske, the wrecks of the company were collected, and, 
under a privilege which had been previously granted by the 
* legislature, a sufficient sum was raised by lottery to discharge 
the outstanding debts, and thus preserve the water-rights and 
other valuable property from total loss. By the persevering 
industry of this gentleman, a new charter with important pri- 


160 


CAXALS.. 


vileges was obtained in 1811, and tiie company revived under 
the title of “The Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania;” 
but the want of adequate funds continued to prevent a re¬ 
commencement of the work. In the year 1819, the leg-isla- 
turc again interposed, ;uid empowered the company to open 
a new subscription of 500,000 dollars to its stock, to bear an 
interest of six per cent, per annum, payable from the avails 
of the lotteries previously authorized. This plan did not, 
however, realize the liopes of the friends of improvement, as 
the uncertainty of the fund out of which the interest was to 
be provided, operated to discourage subscriptions to the 
stock; and the required amount could not be obtained. 

The patriotism of the legislature was again appealed to, 
who in the year 1821 directed a subscription of 50,000 dollars 
to the stock of the company on behalf of the commonwealth, 
and guarantied to such persons as should subscribe the sum 
of 450,000 dollars, the regular payment of interest thereon 
from the public ti’easury, for the term of twenty-five years, 
in case the avails of the lotteries should prove insufficient for 
that pm'pose : the guarantee to be subject to abrogation at 
the end of ten years, should the canal not be completed by 
the expiration of that term, and the payment of the interest 
from that period to the end of tlie twenty-five years to be left 
dependent upon the {iroceeds of the lotteries. By the same 
Act of the legislature, a fund of 72,000 dolku-s and upwards, 
then already accumulated by the company from the lotteries, 
and vested in United States’ six per cent, stock, was also 
pledged for the payment of the interest on the new subscrip¬ 
tion. Under these fa' ourable auspices, a new subscription 
to the stock was readily obtained, and active operations were 
speedily resumed upon the canal. The western section, 
from Lebanon to the Susquehanna, which had not been be¬ 
fore examined, Was surveyed and levelled in the summer 
of 1821; and in the fall of that year, the plan of the summit 
level was determined upon, and the excavation of it com¬ 
menced in the winter of 1822 : but the engineer then em¬ 
ployed, being occupied in general preliminary examinations 
of the surrounding countiy, no other part of the canal was 
finally laid out until the spring of 1823. Between the months ^ 
of April, 1823, and May, 1824, the line from the summit to 
the Schuylkill was finally determined, and placed under con¬ 
tact, to the extent of thirty-tlu-ee miles. Upon upwards of 


CA^TALS. 


161 


twenty-two miles of this line, the trunk of the canal is already 
finished; and the residue is so rapidly prosecuted, that no 
reasonable doubt can be entertained of the completion of the 
excavation and embankments upon the whole of these thirty- 
three miles, by the close of the year 1824, excepting perhaps 
a few points where rock is required to be blasted. The 
masonry of about one-sixth of the locks is also finished, and 
two-thirds of the whole upon this section will probably be 
completed by the month of November next, when it is ex¬ 
pected that the water will be let into the summit level and 
some other parts of the line; and it is confidently believed that 
the navigation from the Schuylkill to Lebanon will be made 
practicable some time in the year 1825, and thence to the 
Susquehanna in the course of the two years next following. 

The present situation of the company is highly prosperous. 
Hitherto forty-five per cent, only of their capital has been paid 
in, and a large proportion of the most expensive work has been 
accomplished, including the summit level, which has been 
excavated nearly half a mile through a limestone rock, prin¬ 
cipally by blasting. The interest of the capital paid in has 
been regularly discharged from the avails of the lotteries, 
which, besides meeting this object, have increased the sur¬ 
plus fund before mentioned from 73,000 dollars to upwards 
of 130,000 dollars, all of which is applicable to the discharge 
of the interest hereafter to accrue. Under these circum¬ 
stances, it is almost certain tliat tlie state will never be called 
upon to pay a single dollar from the public treasuiy, upon its 
guaiantee of the interest. 

The breadth of this canal at its bottom is twenty-four feef, 
the depth of water will be every where four feet at least, and 
the breadth of the water surface thirty-six feet at least. The 
locks are faced with cut sand-stone, jointed with water-proof 
cement, and are calculated to pass boats ctwrying from twen¬ 
ty-five to thirty tons each; and the whole of the works iiave 
been arranged according to thb most approved principles of 
a single horse navigation. 

Schuylkill Navigation. 

The Schuylkill Navigation Company was Incorporated by 
Sm Act of Assembly passed in March, 1815; and organized in 

O 


162 


NAVIGATION COMPANIES. 


September of the same year, with a capital subscribed of 
100,000 dollars. 

By the Act, the river was divided into two sections—one 
above Reading, the other below; and the company was bound 
to commence tlie improvements in each section at the same 
time. 

In the year 1816, the work commenced in the upper sec¬ 
tion by building a dam near the coal mines, and in the lower 
section by making some improvements at tlie gi’eat falls near 
Philadelphia; and in the course of this and the two succeed¬ 
ing years, 1817 and 1818, inmrovements were made in the 
upper section, for six or seven miles, consisting of five dams, 
several short canals, and the requisite number of locks, over¬ 
coming a faU of 106 feet; and in the lower section, a dam, 
canal, and locks, at Flat Rock, making a navigation of six 
miles, and overcoming a fall of 24 feet. 

The capital was also increased to 500,000 dollars. 

In the three following years, 1819, 1820, and 1821, addi¬ 
tional improvements were made in the lower section, consist¬ 
ing of a dam, canal, and locks, at Fail’ Mount; a dam, canal, 
and locks, at Matson’s ford; a dam, canal, and locks, at Nor¬ 
ristown ; a dam and lock at Catfish island; a dam and locks 
at Pawling’s bridge; and two dams and locks near Lewis’s 
falls. In the upper section, a dam, canal, and locks, at Ker¬ 
ns’s mill, near Hamburg; a dam and locks at the Blue Moun¬ 
tain ; ten dams, ten canals, tliirty-five locks, and a tunnel, 
above tiie Blue Mountain; which, if connected, would form 
a navigation of about fifty-fom' miles, overcoming a fall of 
340 feet. 

In the years 1822,1823, and 1824, the improvements made 
in the lower section were a dam, locks, and canal of three 
miles long, opposite French creek; a dam, locks, and canal 
of five miles long, in Chester county; a canal, locks, culverts, 
aqueducts, &c., of twenty-two miles in length, part in Ches¬ 
ter and part in Berks county.:—and in the upper section, a 
dam, locks, and canal ten miles long, near Hambiu’g; a dam, 
locks, and canal three miles long, in Bern township, opposite 
Maiden creek; and- a dam, locks, and canal of seven miles, 
through the town of Reading. Making tlie whole improved 
navigation from Mount Carbon at the coal mines in Schuylkill 
county, to the city of Philadelpliia, a distance of 110 miles, 
64 of which are canal; overcoming a fall of 588 feet, by means 


TTAVIGATIOX COMPANIES. 


163 


of 28 dams and 120 locks, at an expenditure of $ 1,500,000, 
procured from individuals and corporations, with the single 
exception of $ 50,000 subscribed by the state. 

It is difficult to estimate the amount of water power formed 
by these works. There are twenty-eight dams, with a fall 
at each vaiying from six to thirty feet, and sevei-al places on 
the canals where there is water power. At each situation, 
there is power for at least one mill, and in some sufficient for 
forty. The whole may be safely estimated as being equal to 
supply 400 mills. 

1'he capacity of the works for the delivery of coal at Phi¬ 
ladelphia, is estimated as being sufficient to fiu’uish from ten 
to twenty millions of bushels annually. There is an inex¬ 
haustible quantity of coal at the head of the navigation, not 
surpassed in quality by any in the world. 

This impoitant undertaking was completed as far as Read¬ 
ing on the 1st of .Tuly 1824, and the 5th of that month was 
selected for opening the twenty-two mile canal between 
Reading and Pottsgrove. A large number of persons, from 
Philadelphia, Reading, and the neighbourhood, assembled 
on that day, and embarked on boai-d of three boats, the 
** Thomas Oaks/’ the Stephen Girard Reading Packet’’ 
and the Dewitt Clinton/’ and the first experiment of canal 
navigation in Peimsylvania was made, to the entire satisfaction 
of all the spectators. Ry order of the managers, tiie name of 
*^The Girard Canal” was given to the twenty-two miles cut, 
as a mark of respect to Mr. Stephen Ghai’d, to whose liberal¬ 
ity the company is deeply indebted. 

Boats with produce now pass through a complete artificial 
navigation from Reading to Philadelphia; and it is expected 
that the whole navigation from Philadelphia to the coal mines, 
a distance of 111 miles, will be completed in September of 
the present year, 1824. 

P'rom the head of the improvements to the river Susque¬ 
hanna, the distance is about twenty-five miles. The works 
of the Union Canal Company are to connect the Susquehanna 
with the Schuylkill at Reading : these works ai-e earned on 
with great spirit. 

Commissioners, under an Act of the la.st session of the state 
legislature, are exploring a route for a canal from the Susque- 
lianna at Columbia, through the counties of Lancaster and 
Chester, to the SchuylkUl near JNorristown. From the Sus- 


164 


>*AriGAT10]Sr COMPAKIES. 


quehanna, a route for a canal is to be explored this season, 
under the authority of the state, to form a connection with 
the Ohio river and lake Erie, which will also be examined 
by the eng'ineers of the United States. 

Statement of Dam^y Canals, Locks, &c. on the River Schuyk 
kill, from the Coal Mines to Philadelphia. 


Dams, Locks, &c. 

Distance of 

River. 

Distance of 

Canal. 

Number of 

Guard Locks. 

Number of 
Chamber Locks. 

From Potts’ tail race, the highest point of 
the improved navigation, and the first 
place where coal is found on the river— 
1. To dam at Mount Cai’bon, and canal 

Miles 

Miles 



on right bank, . - - . 

2. To dam at Shoemaker’s, canal on left 


1 

■g- 

1 

1 

bank,. 

h 

i 

1 

1 

3. To dam at bridge, canal on right bank, 

4. To dam at Waterloo, canM on left 



1 

3 

bank, . 

5. To Dam at Schuylkill Haven, canal on 

i 


1 

7 

left bank,. 

6. To Reed’s upper dam, canal on right 

h 

1 

1 

3 

bank,. 

7. To Reed’s lower dam, canal on right 

i 

1 

1 

2 

bank, . 

8. To dam at the office, canal on right 


h 

1 

1 

bank,. 

9. To dam at tunnel, canal on left bank, 

i 

i 

1 

1 

tunnel 480 feet, - - . . 

10. To dam at Sigfricd’s, canal on right 

1 

1 

1 

4 

bank,. 

11. To dam at Crosscut, canal on left 

2 

1 

1 

1 

bank,. 


1 

1 

2 

12. To Ashton’s dam, canal on left bank, 

13. To dam at Rishel’s, canal on left bank, 


1 

1 

5 

i- 

'h 

1 

2 

14. To dam at Blue Mounhun, 

2 

1 

4 

15. I’o dam at Kern’s, canal on left bank, 

1 

1 

1 

2 











NAVIGATION COMPANIES. 


165 


JDamSy Locks, &e. 

Distance of 

River. 

Distance of 

Canal. 

Number of 

Guard Locks. 

16. To dam at Hamburg, canal on left 

Miles 

Miles 


bank,. 

3 

¥ 

10 

1 

17. To dam at Harpine’s, canal on right 



bank,. 


3 

1 

18. To dam at Rhodarmel’s, canal on left 



bank,. 

2| 

7 

1 

19. To dam at Poplar Neck, 

2 


1 

20. To dam at Lewis* Falls, canal on right 




bank,. 

2 

22 

1 

21. To dam at Finkebiner’s, canal on right 




bank,. 

1 

5 

1 

22. To dam at .Jacob’s, canal on left bank. 

3 

i 

1 

23. To dam at Pawling’s Bridge, - 

1 


1 

24. To dam at Catfish Island, 

3 


1 

25. To dam at Nomstown, canal on right 




bank, - - 

5 


1 

26. To dam at Plymoutli, canal on left 



bank,. 

4 


1 

27. To dam at Flat Rock, canal on left 




bank, - - - - - 

4 

11 

1 

28. ■Po dam at Fair Mount, canal on right 



bank,. 

5 

i 

1 



63| 

28 i 


Cm U 
O O 

Ji 


16 

5 


Total number of miles, 111—Total cost, $1,500,000. 

LeMgh Navigation. 

The Lehig'h Coal and Navigation Company was incoipo- 
rated on the 13th of Febmary, 1822, and authorized to raise 
a capital of one million of dollars. The object of the company 
was to improve the navigation of the river Lehigh, from tlie 
Great Falls to its junction witli the Delaware at Easton; and, 
by this means, to bring to market the valuable stone coal 
which abounds in a mountain situated on the margin of the 
Lehigh, about 46 miles above the confluence. From the coal 

O 2 


















166 


TUIINPIKK ROADS. 


region, the company have completed a good downward navi¬ 
gation, capable of transporting several millions of bushels of 
coal every year, and have cai-ried their improvements about 
fifteen miles higher up the river, to enable them to obtain a 
sufficient supply of lumber for making the necessary boats- 
The company have expended on these improvements, and in 
the purchase of coal and timber land, and the erection of 
houses, stores, and mills, for the accommodation of the busi¬ 
ness connected with the coal trade, the sum of $600,000. 
Between 2 and 3000 bushels of coal are daily despatched 
from the mines to the city, and the quantity may be increased 
to almost any extent the market may require. The conse¬ 
quence of these valuable improvements is a plentiful supply 
of coal, at a moderate price, and a gi-eat reduction in the price 
of other fuel. 


Turnpike Roads. 

Artificial roads have been constructed on tlie principal 
routes of the internal trade with Piiiladelphia. These works 
have been undertaken and completed by private associations, 
generally without aid from the legislature, and by means of 
funds furnished from this city. In the strength and solidity 
of their execution, and the amount of money expended on 
them, these roads are not equalled by any works of the same 
description in the United States. The following brief account 
of the principal turnpike roads leading from file city, is all 
that our limits enable us to give. 

Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road. 

This was the first artificial road made in Pennsylvania. 
The company was incorporated by an act of the legislature, 
passed on the 21st of June, 1792. As soon as the requisite 
amount of funds was obtained opemtions were begun, and the 
entire road was completed in 1795. The whole length of 
the road is 62 miles, and the cost per mile was $ 7502, making 
the whole cost $ 465,124. The average net amount of tolls 
for the last six years, after payment of all expenses, repairs, 
&c., is $ 18,200 per annum, yielding an interest to file stock¬ 
holders of about four per cent, per annum. 


BRIDGES. 


167 


PhiladelpMay Germaniowny and Perldomen Turnpike Road. 

The charter of this company was granted on the 29t]i of 
April, 1801, and the road was finished in 1804. The whole 
length is 25\ miles, and the cost per mile was $ 11,287, making 
the whole cost of the road $284,996. The average amount 
of tolls for the last seven years, is $ 23,959 per annum. 

Pliiladelphiay Frankfordy and Bristol Turnpike Road. 

The charter of this company was granted on the 13th of 
May, 1803, and tlie entire road was completed in 1812. Its 
length is 28 miles. The cost per mile of that portion of the 
road which is faced with stone, was aboilt $ 10,000; and the 
cost of that portion which is covered with gi’avel, was about 
$5000 per mile. I'he average of the tolls for the last three 
years, is $9589 20cts. per annum. 

Ridge Turnpike. 

The charter of this company was granted on tlie 19th of 
July, 1811, and the road was finished in 1816. Its whole 
length is 23^ miles. The cost per mile was $7500. The 
average amount of tolls per annum is $ 11,066. 

Philadeljphiay CheltenJiamy and Willow-Grove Turnpike Road. 

This company was incorporated on the 13th of May, 1803. 
The road was finished in 1804, and is 10^ miles in length. 
Tiie cost per mile was about $8000—and the whole cost 
$ 85,000. 


Bridges. 

Of these there are two over the Schuylkill at Philadelphia, 
and one at Pdat Rock, about eight miles from tlie city. A 
bridge was built at the falls of the river, about five miles from 
the city, which was several times destroyed by freshets in the 
river. The last time was about two years since, and it has 
not yet been rebuilt. Several years since, during the inter¬ 
val occasioned by one of these occurrences, a wire bridge was 
constructed at the wire factoiy at that place, and toown 
across the river. It is believed that this is the first instance of 
a bridge of this description, though one has since been placed 


168 


BKIDGES. 


on one of the rivers of England. The first two only come 
within the design of this work. 

1. The Market Street Bridge. 

This costly and substantial structure was erected by a pri¬ 
vate company, incorporated for the purpose in 1798. Six 
years were occupied in its completion. It consists of three 
arches of very strong timber, supported by two stone piers, 
with two abutments and wing walls. The western pier was 
sunk ■ at a great expense, and in an unexampled depth of 
water, the top of the rock on which it stands being 41 feet 
below common high tides. Upwards of 7500 tons of stone 
were employed on this pier. The platform for travelling 
rises only eight feet from a horizontal line. The footways 
are five feet in width, and are elevated above the carnage 
ways, and protected by chains. The whole length of the 
bridge, including abutments and wing walls, is 1300 feet, of 
which the wooden platform between the abutments is in 
length 550 feet. The span of the middle ai’ch is 194 feet; 
that of the other arches 150 feet each. 

The total cost of this bridge was $235,000; besides which, 
the company paid $40,000 for the purchase of the site. 

Previous to the erection of this bridge, the only passage 
across the Schuylkill at Market street, was over an insecure and 
hazardous floating bridge. The amount of toll in 1799 over 
the floating bridge, was $5000. That received in 1805, 
after the completion of the permanent bridge, was $ 13,600. 

2. Upper Bridge. 

This beautiful and unique structure was finished in 1813, 
and crosses the Schuylkill a little south of the Fair Mount 
Water Works. It consists of a single arch of 340 feet 4 inches 
span, resting on abutments of stone. The span of the arch 
is said to be 96 feet greater than that of any other in existence. 
The bridge is 50 feet 4 inches wide at the abutments, and 35 
feet wide in the centre. The ai’chitect was Lewis Wernwag. 

The total cost of this bridge was $150,000. 


( 169 ) 


PART XIIL 

MISCELLANEOUS ESTABLISHMENTS AND INSTL 
TUTIONS. 

Provision for Watching and Lighting the City. 

The present arrangement of the watcli in PliiJadelphia is a 
veiy efficient one, as the infrequency of fires, robberies, and 
disturbances of tlie peace sufficiently proves. 

The whole number of the city watch, including the captain 
and lieutenant, is 97. I'hey are divided into classes as fol¬ 
lows—16 silent, or captain and lieutenant’s watch—47 north 
and south watch, or lamplighters—25 east and west watch— 
4 market watch—2 turnkeys, and 1 watchman at the city hall, 
whose duty it is to watch the city property. The city is 
divided into two districts, eastern and western. The eastern 
district extends from the Delaware to Eighth street, and from 
the southern to the noilliern boundary of the city, which is 
under the particular charge of the captain of the watch, whose 
quarters are at the Old Court-House, at the corner of Market 
and Second streets. He has under his command 8 silent 
watch, 21 north and south watch, or lamplighters, 8 east and 
west watch, 1 turnkey, and the market watch. The western 
district includes that pait of the city between Eighth street 
and the Schuylkill, from the southern to the northern boun¬ 
dary of the city, and is under tlie special care of the lieutenant 
of the watch, whose quarters are at the Centre-House in the 
Centre Square. He has under his command 8 silent watch, 
26 north and south watch, 17 east and west watch, and 1 
turnkey. The whole are governed by a system of regula¬ 
tions strictly enforced. 

It is the duty of the north and south watchmen to ligffit and 
keep in order all the lamps. I'hese are lighted previous to 
setting the watch, except on moonlight nights, for wliich 
they receive 25 cents per month for each lamp, in addition to 
their monthly wages of $ 18. The east and west watch re¬ 
ceive $20 per montli. On the 31st of December, 1823, there 
were 1537 lamps within the charter-bounds of the city. \Vhen 


170 


FINANCES OF THE CITY. 


the watch is set, which is at 10 o’clock, (unless otherwise 
specially dhected,) each watchman goes in a direct line for 
four squares, and turns no corners except into alleys, &c. 
that lead from the street allotted to him. 7'he four squares 
form the watcliman’s district, through wliich he must pass 
twice in each hour; thus, an east and west watchman sets out 
from the wharf on Arch street, and passes up Arch street, 
on the north side, to Fomth street, and returns on die south 
side to the wharf, visiting each alley as he goes and returns. 
Others go westward from Fourth to Eighth streets, and from 
Eighth to Twelfth streets, 8ic.; others pass along Water, 
Front, Second, Third, Fourth streets, &c., from Tine street 
to Market street, and return; so that while the east and west 
watchmen are travelhng east and west, the north and south 
watchmen are crossing them at the intersection of eveiy 
street. 

The annual wages of the watchmen, exclusive of those of 
the captain and lieutenant, are $25,560. The whole ex¬ 
pense of lighting and watching, including wages, oil, lamps, 
carpenter’s and tinmen’s work, &c., will be about $36,000 
for the present year, 1824. The expenditui’e vai’ies annually, 
according to the price of oil, &c. 

Finatices of the City: Salaries of OfficerSy &c. 

For the construction of the water works and the common 
sewers, the piu’chase of iron pipes, and other objects of public 
benefit, the city has contracted a debt, which on the 1st of 
April, 1823, amounted to $1,234,700, of which $ 589,600 
bore an interest of six per cent., and $645,100 paid five per 
cent. Besides which, there were due of unfunded debt 
loans to the amount of about $90,000. 

The annual interest on the funded debt, and the other ex¬ 
penses of tlie corporation, are provided for by annual taxes, 
by the income of the corporate estate, by water rents, &c. 
A sinking fund has been created for the purpose of redeem¬ 
ing the debt, which amounted on the 1st of April, 1823, to 
$116,523 54cts., and in consequence of its pinident manage¬ 
ment, will in no long time extinguish the whole debt. 

The expenses of the city government for 1824, are as fol¬ 
lows:— 


SALAniES OF OFFICERS, &C. 171 


For salaries of officers, - - $17,035 

Lig-htiug* and watching-, - - 36,000 

Cleansing the city, - - . 2,500 

Cleansing docks, - - - 2,000 

Pumps and wells, - - - 2,500 

Fuel and other expenses in offices, 600 

Menial services in the markets, - 500 

- $61,135 


Besides which, the following appropriations 
have been made— 

For new paving. 

Unpaved streets. 

Regulating ascents and descents. 

For brmgiiig odenders to justice. 
Repairing old pavements, - 
Repairing city property. 

Interest on city funded debt. 

Hose Companies, 

Interest on loans, (not funded,) • 


$155,447 


$8,000 

1,700 

700 

500 

3.500 

2.500 
69,291 

4,000 

4,121 


The salai’ies of the officers of the city for 1824, are as fol¬ 
lows:— 


T'he Mayor, ... 

, $2000 

I’he 'rreasurer. 

2000 

City Clerk, - - - 

1000 

Vaccine Pliysician, - 

400 

Corders of VV'ood, - 

2350 

(Jlerks of the Mai'kets, 

1960 

Lieutenant of the Watch, 

350 

I'he Recorder, - - - 

600* 

City Commissioners, 

3UOO 

Recording Suiveyors, 

750 

(derks ol Councils, - 

700 

High Constables, 

1200 

Captain of the Watch, 

500 

Messenger of Councils, - 

225 


$17,035 


• hesiUes which, he receives from the state treasury ^ 900 per annum. 










172 


WATER WORKS. 


Water Works. 

Of the numerous public establishments by which Pliiladel- 
phia is adorned or benefited, there is no one of which her 
citizens have better reason to be proud than the magnificent 
works by which the city is supplied, even in its most remote 
quarters, with pure and wholesome water, sufficient to satisfy 
any demand. It is believed that no city on the globe, of equal 
population, has undertaken and completed an operation so 
arduous and expensive as the inti’oduction of the Schuylkill 
water: certainly, nothing that has been done by any city on 
this side of the Atlantic will bear a comparison with it. Of 
how much advantage the perpetual supply of pure streams 
of water is to the health, comfort, and safety of such a city 
as this, it is not necessary to say here. Accustomed to its 
use, the inhabitants of Philadelphia are not perhaps sensible 
of the immense benefits they derive from it; but the depri¬ 
vation of it for a single day would convince them of the great 
advantages they possess in this respect over the other cities 
of the Union. It has been remarked that since the introduc¬ 
tion of the Schuylkill water, the yellow fever has not appear¬ 
ed in the city, although it has ravaged the southern suburbs. 
Whether this be owing to the increased cleanliness of the 
city, produced by the greater flow of water, or not, it may 
be considered ceilain that the general health as well as the 
general convenience has been promoted by it. Besides the 
augmentation of comfoil, the gi'eat exemption of Philadelphia 
from destructive fires of late yeai’s may be atti’ibuted to the 
abundant supply of water, the head of which is so great, that 
it rises to the height of tlie highest houses. Of the origin 
and progress of these valuable works, a short account will be 
given here. 

The sagacious mind of Dr. Franklin was one of the first to 
perceive the growing necessity of a more copious supply of 
water than the city could obtain from pumps. By liis will, 
he bequeathed to the city a portion of the accumulation of 
the famous legacy, which has been noticed in another place, 
to be applied to the inti’oduction of water from the Wissa- 
hiccon creek. In 1797, tlie public becoming sensible of the 
insufficiency and deterioration of tlie pump water, petitions 
were addi’essed to the City Councils, in consequence of which 





WATER WORKS. 


m 

Vill’ious schemes were proposed. After some deliberation, 
they decided in favour of a plan proposed by the late Mr. 
Latrobe, which was to form a reseiwoh* on the east bank of 
the Schuylkill, from which water was to be thrown by a 
steam-eng-ine into a tunnel, and thence earned to another 
engine-house at the Centre-Scpiare, where it was to be again 
raised by a second steam-engine into a reservoir, from which 
it was to be distributed in pipes through the city. The work 
was immediately commenced, though under great discou¬ 
ragements. The Schuylkill and Delaware Canal Company, 
whose charter granted them the liberty of watering the city, 
used all their exertions and influence to defeat the measure; 
the attempts made by the corporation to bon’ow money for 
the purpose, failed in a gi’eat measure; and, above all, the 
city was desolated and disheartened by the visitation of the 
yellow fever. The confidence of the city government, how¬ 
ever, was not shaken; and they persevered in the operation, 
though labouring under difficulties from the want of know¬ 
ledge of hydraulics, until the 21st of January, 1801, when 
water from the Schuylkill was first thrown into the city. 

An experience of ten years satisfied the corporation that 
a sufficient and constant supply of water could not be obtain¬ 
ed by this method: the steam-engines were liable to frequent 
failures from accident, and the derangement of one stopped 
the whole stipjjly of the city. Accordingly, in October, 1811, 
the Councils appointed a committee to consider and ascertain 
whether a more certain and economical mode of supply could 
not be adopted. The committee first turned their attention 
to the project of introducing the water of the Wissahiccon 
creek; but tlie magnitude of the cost (estimated at $359,718) 
and other considerations induced them to abandon it. 'Fhe 
only feasible plan that appeared to remain, was to increase 
the power, by augmienting the number of the steam-engines. 
Accordingly, a new reservoir was created, 105 feet above 
tide water; and two large engines were constructed, which 
worked alternately, so that one was always ready in case of 
accident to the other. It was soon found, however, that a 
supply of water adequate to the demand could not be obtain¬ 
ed, although the annual expenses were enormous; and it 
was evident that some other power besides steam must be 
used for the }>urpose. 

1 * 


WATER WORKS* 


174 

In the fall of 1818, the Watering Committee* were Induced 
to inquire whether a sufficient water power could not be ob¬ 
tained on reasonable terms, by the erection of a dam and 
other works at Fair Mount, on the Schuylkill, at the western 
extremity of Callowliill street. It was asceitained that the 
right of erecting tlie dam could be obtained from the Schuyl¬ 
kill Navigation Company, by an agreement to erect locks and 
a canal on the west side of the river, opposite Fair Mount, at 
the expense of the city; and that the right of the proprietors 
of the water power at the falls of Schuylkill, five miles dis¬ 
tant, could be purchased for 150,000 dollars. A report fa- 
voimable to the measure was made to the Councils, who una¬ 
nimously adopted it, and at once, with a hberahty and man¬ 
liness highly honourable to them, voted 350,000 dollars for 
the commencement of the undeilaking. A full account of 
this great work is given in a Report made by the Watering 
Committee to the Councils, on tlie 9th of January, 1823, from 
which the following extracts are made:— 

“ On the 19th of April, 1819, the work was commenced 
by Ariel Cooley, with whom a contract was made for the 
erection of the dam, the locks and canal, the head arches to 
the race, and the excavation of tlie race from a solid rock, 
for the sum of 150,000 dollars. This work is a monument to 
his memory; and he had nearly completed it, when he was 
taken oil' by a disease supposed to have been cootmcted by 
his exposure to the sun and night air, at the closing part of 
his work. His talents, his integrity, and his general worth, 
will long be held in grateful remembrance by the citizens of 
Philadelpliia. 

“It will be proper, in this stage of the report, to state the 
nature of the work that was to be accomplished, and to ex¬ 
pose certain of its difficulties. The river is about nine hun¬ 
dred feet in width; one-foui’th of wliich, at the bottom, on 
the eastern side, is supposed to be rock, covered with about 
eleven feet of mud; the remainder is of rock. The greatest 
depth is thirty feet at high water; and it gradually shoals to 
tlie western shore, where the rock is left bai'e at low tide. 

* A committee of members of the Councils, annually chosen. At the 
head of this committee for many years has been Joseph S. I.ewis lisq. a 
gentleman whose zeal and activity contributed great.y to the sticcess of 
tlie Fair Mount Works, and to whose public spirit on other occasions the 
city is deeply indebted. 


WATER WORKS. 


175 


The river, whose averag-e rise and fall is six feet, is subject to 
sudden and violent fresliets. 

“ Mr. Cooley determined, where rock was to be found, to 
sink cribs, formed of log’s, about fifty feet up and down stream, 
by seventeen or eig’hteen feet wide, wliich were sunk and 
filled with stone, and securely fastened to each other above 
low water, having- the up-stream side planked from the 
bottom to the toj), and the space immediately above filled 
to some extent with earth, small stones, and other matter, to 
prevent leakage. In that part where mud was found, the 
tlam is made of quairy spalls and earth, and raised about 
fifteen feet higher than the other part of the dam, which is 
an over-fall for the water; the base of this mound is at least 
one hunch-ed and fifty feet, and its width on the top twelve 
feet; and the whole of the top, and of the up-stream side 
from the water edge, is paved to the depth of tlu-ee feet with 
building stone, to prevent washing by water, and injury from 
ice. Between the mound dam and the over-fall, there is 
sunk, on the rock, in twenty-eight feet water, a stone pier, 
twenty-eight feet by twenty-tlrree feet, which suppoi-ts the 
end of the mound, and protects it from injuiy by ice or water. 
Tlie contraction of the river by the mound dam, suggested to 
Mr. Cooley the idea of forming the dam in a diagonal line 
running up stream, and when nearly over to run the rest of 
the distance at a right angle toward the shore, so as to join 
the head pier of the guard-lock on the western side, by which 
means a large over-fall was created, and the rise above the 
dam, in cases of freshet, considerably abated. The whole 
length of the overfall is 1204 feet; the mound dam, 270 feet; 
the head arches, which will presently be mentioned, 104 
feet—making the whole extent of the dam, including the 
western pier, about 1600 feet, and backing the water up the 
river about six miles. The water poM'^er thus created is cal¬ 
culated to be equal to raise into the reservoir, by eight wheels 
and pumps, upwards of ten millions of gallons; the lowest 
estimate of the quantity of water afforded by the river in the 
diy season, is four hundred and forty millions of gallons per 
twenty-four hours, and as it is calculated, allowing for leak¬ 
age, waste. See. that forty gallons upon the wheel will raise 
one into the reservoir, the (quantity raised woidd be eleven 
znillions of gallons per day. 


176 


WATER WORKS. 


“On the west side of the river there are erected a head pier 
and ^uard-locks, whence tliere is a canal extending' 569 feet 
to two chamber-locks, of six feet lift each, by which the boats 
ascend or descend ; and below these locks there is a canal 
into the river, 420 feet long-. The locks are built of di-essed 
stone; the upper canal is walled on the east side, and on the 
west it is rock ; the lower canal is formed of the stiff' mud of 
the river, and covered with stone. The whole of the outer 
front of the locks and canal is protected by a wall on the 
upper part, and on the lower with stone tlirown on the bank 
to prevent washing'. 

On the east side of the river, the whole of the bank was 
a solid rock, which it was necessary to excavate to the widtli 
of 140 feet, to form a race, and a site for the mill-houses, run¬ 
ning parallel with the river. The length of the. mill-race is 
419 feet; the greatest depth of the excavation, sixty feet, and 
the least sixteen feet; the gunpowder used, alone cost the 
contractor upwards of 12,000 dollars. At the upper pai’t of 
this excavation are erected tlie head arches, three in number, 
which extend from the ea.st end of the mound dam to the 
rock of the bank; thus forming a continuation of the dam. 

“ On the west of the exca^'ation are erected the mill-houses, 
forming the west side of tlie race, which is suppoiled on the 
other side by tlie rock rising above it seventy or eighty feet 
perpendicularly. I'he south end or wall of the race is also 
of solid rock, and the mill-houses ai’e founded on rock, so 
that nothing can be contrived more secure in all respects. 

“ The race is about 90 feet in width, and is furnished with 
water through the head arches, which allow a passag-e of wa¬ 
ter of 68 feet in breadth, and 6 feet in depth, to which the 
race is excavated below the over-fall of the dam, and of course 
room is allowed for a continual passage of 408 square feet of 
water. These arches are on the north of the race, and the 
mill-buildings being on the west, the water passes from the 
race to the wheels, which discharge the water into tlie river 
below the dam. The gate of tlie ceuti’e arch is upon the 
principle of a lock-gate, and admits the passage of boats, &c. 
into the race ; at the south eiid of the mill-buildings tliere is 
a waste-gate, eight feet wide, by which (the upper gates 
being shut) the water can be drawn off' to the bottom of the 
race. 


WATER WORKS. 


m 


“ The mill-buildings are of stone, 238 feet long, and 56 
feet wide. The lower section is divided into twelve apart¬ 
ments, four of which are intended for eight double forcing- 
pumps. The other apartments are for the forebays leading 
to the water-wheels. The pump and forebay chambers are 
arched with brick, and are perfectly secure from the incle¬ 
mency of the winter. I’hose now in use are kept warm by 
means of two large iron stoves, heated to great advantage and 
economy with Schuylkill and Lehigh coal. A gallery will be 
erected, extending the whole length of the building, from 
which all the wheels may be seen at one view. The centre 
part of the buildings is 190 feet by 25 feet, with circular doors 
to the pump-chambers, and a range of circular windows over 
the archways of the wheel-rooms. On a line with the cornice 
of the central part is the base course of two pavilions, with 
Doric porticoes, which terminate the west front. One of 
these is used for the office of the Committee; and the other 
is the residence of an old and faithful servant of tlie corpora¬ 
tion, who has the general care of the property at Fair Mount. 
On the east front, immediately over the pumps and forebay 
rooms, is a ten’ace, 253 feet long, and twenty-six feet wide, 
paved with brick, and railed, forming a handsome walk along 
the race, and leading by steps at the end to the top of the 
head arches, moupd dam, and pier. ” 

It was not the intention of the Committee to erect more 
than three wheels and pumps for the present, which were 
completed in December, 1822. The first wheel is fifteen feet 
in diameter and fifteen feet long, working under one foot 
head and seven feet fall: this wheel raises 1^ million of gal¬ 
lons of water to the reservoir in twenty-four hours, with a 
stroke of the pump of 4^ feet, a diameter of 16 inches, and 
the wheel making 11^ revolutions in a minute. The second 
wheel is of the same length as the fimt, and 16 feet diameter; 
it works under one foot head and 7^ feet fall, making 13 re¬ 
volutions in a minute, with a 4^ feet stroke of the pump, and 
raising 1^ million of gallons in twenty-four hours. The third 
wheel is of the same size as the second, and works under the 
same head and fall, making 13 revolutions in a minute, with 
a 5 feet stroke of the pump, and raising 1^ million of gallons 
in twenty-four hours. I’he whole quantity thus raised is 
upwards of 4 millions of gallons in twenty-loui’ hours. The 

Je2 


WATF-n WORKS. 


178 

wheels are formed of wood; the shafts, of iron, weighing 
about live tons each. 

“ The pumps are the work of those ingenious engineers, 
Messrs. Rush and Muhlenberg. They are placed horizontal¬ 
ly, according to a design of Mr. F. Graff, and are worked by 
a crank on the water-wheel, attached to a pitman connected 
with the piston at the end of the slides. They are fed under 
a natural head of water, from the forebays of the water-wheel, 
and ai*e calculated-for a six feet stroke : but hitherto it has 
been found more profitable to work wdth not more than five 
feet. They are double forcing pumps, and are connected, 
each of them, to an iron main of sixteen inches diameter, 
which is carried along the bottom of the race, to the rock at 
the foot of Fair Mount, and thence up the bank into the new 
reservoir. At the end of the jnpe there is a stop-cock, which 
is closed when needful for any purpose. The shortest of 
these mains is 284 feet long: the other two are somewhat 
longer. The reservoir next the bank is 139 by 316 feet, is 
12 ieet deep, and contains 3 millions of gallons. It is con¬ 
nected at the bottom with the old reservoir, by two pipes of 
20 inches diameter, with stop-cocks. This reservoir contains 
4 millions of gallons. The water being raised into the reser¬ 
voirs, 102 feet above low tide, and 56 feet above the highest 
ground in the city, is thence conveyed to the city.” 

In a subsequent Report made to the Councils on the 8tU 
of .Januaiy, 1824, the Committee state some gratifying facts 
as to the quantity of water which experience has shown the 
wheels capable of raising:— 

“ The experience of another year has furnished results that 
will probably be interesting to Councils; and the Committee 
therefore ti’espass a little in detailing the beneficial effects 
produced by the new Water Works at Fair Mount, w'hich 
have exceeded the warmest anticipations of their most san¬ 
guine friends. The calculations formed were of the most 
cautious kind, for there was little experience to guide in the 
construction of water works calculated to raise water, and 
hence it was stated that forty gallons upon the wheel would 
be required to raise one to the reseiwoh’; but experience has 
shown that thirty ai-e more than ample, thus at once increas¬ 
ing the calculation of the water power of the river one-third. 
Tlie quantity raised was also underrated at one million of 


WATER WORKS. 


179 


gallons in twenty-four hours, for each wheel and pump : it 
may now be safely stated at 1,250,000, supposing the wheel 
to work diu’ing the whole time, but this is not always the 
case, as the tide occasionally makes it prudent to stop them, 
to prevent straining the works. 

“ An experiment was made in July last for eighteen days, 
during which time four fire-plugs were constantly in use dur¬ 
ing tlie day-time in washing the gutters, when two wheels 
and pumps were found adequate to supply the demand, and 
working only fourteen hoims in twenty-four; and the con¬ 
sumption of water was 1,616,160 gallons in the same peiiod 
of twenty-four hours. In October last, the three wheels were 
found sufficient to supply the city in eight hours, equal to 
one wheel for twenty-four hours, and supplying 1,250,000 
gallons. 

“ In the last month, the weeds were stopped three days 
on account of the water being disturbed by a freshet, diuing 
which time the reservoir fell fifty-two inches: after the water 
had settled, the three wheels were put in operation, and, be¬ 
sides supplying the city with about 1,250,000 gallons, they 
filled the reservoir in twenty-four lioius, equal in all to 
3,750,000 gallons. The demand of the city for water, in 
veiy cold weatlier, may be stated at about 1,000,000 gallons. 

“ The advantage of the large reservoirs is particularly ob¬ 
servable during a freshet in the river, as the city can be sup¬ 
plied for several days with clear water from them, wliilst the 
muddy water is running off, during which time the wheels 
are of coiuse stopped.” 

On the 24th of October, 1822, the steam-engines were 
stopped, and it is believed will never again be wanted. The 
strength of the dam was testeil in the most satisfactory man¬ 
ner, in Febriuuy, 1822, by an ice-freshet, which rose eight 
feet above the over-fall, and which is supposed to be the 
gi*eatest ever known in the Schuylkill. 

The whole cost to tlie city of tlie works at Fair Mount is 
as follows:— 

Cost of the water power at the Falls - - - $ 150,000 

Erection of the dam, locks, head-:uches, race, 
and piem, including estimate of damages for 

overflowing by the dam.187,182 

Three pumps.11,000 




180 


WATER AVORKS. 


Broug-ht up, 


$348,182 


Mill-houses, mills, and other works connected 


with them 
Iron raising- mains 
New reservoir - 


71,250 

4,480 

8,600 


$432,512 


The entire amount expended by the city of Philadelphia, 
on the successive operations for introdvicing- the Schuylkill 
water, is shown by the following table:— 

Cost of the first works on Cei:tre-Square, and 

Chesnut street near Schuylkill - - $ 690,402 81 

The second steam works, including the re¬ 
servoir, cost. 320,669 84 

The present water power works cost - - 432,512 71 


Total cost $ 1,448,585 36 


The advantage of water power over steam power for such 
works as these, is Avell shown in the Report of the Watering 
Committee of 1823:— 

“By an estimate made by Mr. Graff, and exhibited to 
Councils, with the Report of the Committee on Water Power, 
on the 5th of February, 1818, it appeared that the cost of 
Avorking one steam-engine and pump for one year was 30,858 
dollars *, and it has been found, that with this expenditure, 
not more than 1,600,000 gallons could be raised in twenty- 
four hoiu’s—a very inadequate supply for the population of 
the city, consisting of above sixty thousand souls; without a 
g-allon being afforded to the adjoining districts containing an 
equal number, and for whom until the present period there 
Avas no provision except by means of wells. If, therefore, it 
Avere required, at the same rate of expense, to raise an equal 
quantity with that at present afforded by three wheels, the 
cost would be upwards of 70,000 dollars; but, estimating the 
cost at only double that of one engine, it will amount to 
61,716 dollars. From this is to be deducted the interest on 
the capital expended in erecting tlie water power and works, 
Avhich was 426,330 dollars, and was principally bon-owed at 
an interest of five per cent., and amounts to 21,316 dollars 
annually, and also the expenses for wages, fuel, oil, &c., esti- 









WATEIl WORKS. 


181 


mated at 1500 dollars annually, amounting together to 22,816 
dollars, which being deducted from the sum of 61,716 dollars, 
leaves a clear annual saving of 38,900 dollars, equal, at an in¬ 
terest of five percent., to a capital of 778,000 dollai-s. 

“ As before stated, it is not doubted that the water power 
is sufficient to work five wheels and pumps in addition to 
the three in operation, which would raise an additional quan¬ 
tity of more than six milhons of gallons; and, estimating the 
saving on tliis quantity in the same ratio as before stated, the 
amount would be 103,000 dollars more, equal to a capital 
of upwards of two milhons of dollars, and showing the whole 
saving or profit to be 142,000 dollars annually, a sum nearly 
double the amount of the city taxes, exclusive of interest on 
the city debt, which v ill soon melt away by tlie operation 
of the Sinking Fund.” 

In the Report of 1824, the comparative superiority of water 
power is again shown:— 

“ Two men are found sufficient to attend the works, twelve 
hours at a time alternately, night and day; and the calculation 
made last yeai’, of foiu’ dolliu’s per day, for wages, fuel, light, 
tallow, &c., is, upon experience, found to be ample. The 
plan of warming the house has completely answered the ob¬ 
ject proposed; and no ice has formed, in the coldest weatlier, 
on the wheels or in the pumps. 

“ The whole cost of the new works, including the damages, 
the new reservoir, and the preparation for a third one, is 
432,512 dollars, the interest on which, at the rates the money 
was boiTOwed, amounts to 24,230 dollars; a sum not much 
exceeding that formerly appropriated every year out of tlie 
city taxes for the support of the steam-engines, besides con¬ 
suming the whole of the water rents. The contrast is most 
pleasing, when it is seen that the water rents are so much 
disengaged, as to place in the treasury from their avails up¬ 
wards of 14,500 dollars, whilst the sums heretofore appropri¬ 
ated of the taxes for the steam-engines, go to meet the inter¬ 
est on the debt for the erection of the works. 

“ Rut tliis is not the whole advantage. It was not possible 
with the steam-engines, that a million and a quarter of gal¬ 
lons could be raised : now, three times that quantity can be 
had, without any increase of expense ; but if the same quan¬ 
tity were required to be raised by additional steam-engines, 
tlie annual expense would be at least 75,000 dollai-sj or in otlier 


182 


WATER WORKS. 


words, the expense, (exclusive of the first cost of tlie steam- 
engines and of the water works,) would be 206 dollars per 
day, to raise three millions and tliree quailers of gallons by 
steam, which is now done for four dollars per day by water, 
with this further advantage, that with the expenditure of not 
more than 50,000 dollars for five new wheels and pumps, the 
quantity can be increased to ten millions of gallons in twenty- 
four hours, the water power being sufficient to raise even 
more if required. 

“An additional quantity of 6,750,000 gallons, raised by 
steam-engines, would cost 344 dollars per day, making the 
whole expense to raise ten millions of gallons by steam, 550 
dollars per day, whilst the same quantity can be raised by 
water for 10 dollars per day, w hich includes the present ex¬ 
pense, (before-mentioned,) of 4 doUai's per day, and an al¬ 
lowance of six dollars for additional hands, fuel, tallow^, &c., 
without estimating the interest on the first cost of either spe¬ 
cies of engines and pumps.’* 

Such are the means adopted to procime a sufficient supply 
of water for Philadelphia. The uses and importance of the 
water thus introduced, are stated in the Report of the Com¬ 
mittee:—“The additional cleanliness of the city—the supply 
of the neighbouring districts, for culinaiy purposes, as well as 
for purposes of refreshment—the great advantage in cases of 
fire—^the ornament of fountains in the public squares so wise¬ 
ly provided by our gi’eat founder—the benefit to mamifac- 
tures, and the establishment of water power in the city for 
vai’ious piu'poses, may be named among the advantages of 
this new work; but above all we are to place its effiect upon 
the health of a great and growing community, which of itself 
would justify a much greater expenditure.” 

The w^ater is conveyed from the reservoir through the city 
by means of pipes laid below the pavements. Until lately, 
wooden pipes were used for this purpose; but the inadequate 
supply of water derived through them, and the constant vex¬ 
ation and expense occasioned by their bursting, have caused 
the substitution of iron pipes, which, altliough considerably 
more expensive in the first cost, are in the result tlie most 
economical. The fii'st appropriation for this purpose was a 
sum of 70,000 dollars, voted by the Councils, in December, 
1818, for a main pipe of conduit, which w'as soon afterwards 
laid—viz. from the reservoir along the old canal bank to Cal- 


WATER WORKS. 


183 


lowhill street, of 22 inches diameter, 2661 feet; and tlience 
to the intersection of Broad and Chesnut streets, 6909 feet. 
With this are connected the iron and wooden pipes for the 
supply of the city. A reg-ulai’ plan is p'ji’suing- of replacing 
the wooden with iron pipes; and at the present time, includ¬ 
ing the main, there are about nine miles of iron pipes laid: 
during the summer of the present year (1824) about four 
miles more will be put down. The whole extent of pjpes 
now laid, of wood and iron, is about thirty-five miles. The 
cost of the iron pipes, to 1824, is as follows;— 

Cost of 20 and 22 inch iron main - - $ 72,947 23 cts. 

Cost of iron pipes, of smaller dimensions, 
to the 31st December, 1823, - - - 87,743 58 

Estimate for 1824 . 42,040 32 

Total $202,731 13 


At the outset of the undertaking, a number of pipes were 
Imported from England as models, and another importation 
has since been made to supply the deficiency created by the 
failure of an American contractor; but at present the pipes 
are made in this countr)-, as well and at as low a price as in 
England. Of the above sum of $ 202,731 13 cts., only 
$16,940 31 cts. have been expended on imported pipes. 

To defray the expenses of these operations, taxes are annu¬ 
ally laid, and a certain annual sum is paid by the occupier of 
each house in which the water is introduced. The annual rent 
paid for the use of the water in 1823, for the city alone, was 
$26,191 5cts.; an excess of near 2000 dollars over the in¬ 
terest upon the cost of the water power works. When the 
water shall be introduced into the adjoining districts, which 
is expected to take place in a short time, tlie income of the 
corporation will be considerably augmented. 

In 1823, the SchuylkiU water was introduced by pipes into 
3954 private dwellings, and 185 manufactories; 401 private 
baths were also supplied with it. The lowest sum annually 
paid by a private dwelling was two dollars, and the liighest 
(by a pubfic institution) 100 dollai-s. 

I'he experience of two years has shown that the water 
power at Fair Mount is sufficient to raise many times as much 
water as the city can possibly require for its consumption, and 
consequently that tliere is a surplus power applicable to othei' 






184 


WATER WORKS. 


purposes. It is not easy to detennine what amount of power 
might be spared, but it is believed to be sufficient for a very 
considerable number of manufactories. For the purpose of 
assisting the funds of the corporation, and at the same time 
to give facilities to manufacturing industiy, it is in contem¬ 
plation to extend the race down along the Schuylkill below 
the bridge as far as may be necessary, and to erect mills and 
mill-works between the race and the river, for which there 
would be ample space. A considerable number of applica¬ 
tions have ah’eady been made for the use of water power; 
there is no doubt that all will be taken, and that the most 
beneficial consequences will result to the finances and trade 
of the city from the proposed plan. 

Provision against Destruction hy Fire. 

It has frequently been remarked, that destructive fii’es 
occm’ less frequently in Philadelphia than in any other city 
of the United States. And in point of fact, destruction by 
fire to the extent even of a single building rarely occui’s here. 
Tills may be attributed to several causes. 

1. The erection of wooden buildings is forbidden within ' 
certain limits, viz. from the river Delaware to the east side of 
Sixth street, in those parts of the city included between the 
south side of Vine street and the north side of Race street, ’ 
and between the south side of Walnut sti'eet, and the north side 
of Cedar, and from the river Delaware to the ,eak side of 
Tenth street, in that part of the city included between the 
south side of Race street and the nortli side of Walnut street. 
This salutary ordinance was passed in 1796, and its provisions 
ought now to be extended over all the chartered limits of the 
city, and the principal portions of the districts. 

2. The introduction of the Schuylkill water is another cause 
of the infrequency of destructive fires. The plentiful supply 
of water, and the force with which it proceeds trom the pipes, j 
soon extinguish fires. It has been ascertained, on comparing ■ 
the destruction of property by fire in the city, where ready 
access to fire-plugs can be obtained, with that which occurs 

in the liberties, where the Schuylkill water is not introduced, 
and where dependence must be placed on pumps for a sup¬ 
ply, that the loss in the latter districts is about as 2^ or 2^ to . 
one in the former. The saving of property from fire by the ^ 


E\GIXE AND HOSE COMPANIES. 185 

w’ater works, has been estimated by some at two millions in 
value. 

3. Tlie comparative exemption of Philadelphia from loss 
by fire, may also be atti’ibuted to the zeal and activity of her 
citizens, who labour assiduously to put a stop to the I’avages 
of fire. In Philadelphia there are no hired or professional 
firemen, as in many other cities. The task of combating- with 
the destructive element is undei-taken by voluntary associa¬ 
tions of citizens, who g-overn themselves by certain rules, and 
defray the expenses of their eng-ines, buckets, hose, &c. from 
their own funds. The first engine company of this descrip¬ 
tion was formed in 1732, at the instig-ation of Dr. Franklin, to 
whom the city is indebted for so many valuable su^g’estions. 
Since that time, nui^iy others have successively been formed. 
The number of engine companies now amounts to 32. Pre¬ 
vious to the introduction of the Schuylkill water, the usual 
mode of supplying- the eng-ines was by buckets filled from 
pumps. This tedious process was supei’seded by the estab¬ 
lishment of a system which has been of incalculable advan¬ 
tage to Philadelphia, the use, namely, of pipes of leather for 
the conveyance of water from the hydrants to the engine, and 
to those parts of houses which are accessible. A company 
was formed in 1803, principally through the exertions of two 
gentlemen,* for the purchase of a huse, and of a caii’iage to 
convey it on to fires; and such was their success, that several 
other companies were soon afterwards foi-med. The general 
principles of all these companies are the same. The hose, 
carriage, house for containing them, &c., are paid for from 
tlie private funds of the members. The members are desig¬ 
nated by badges on their hats. The hose is of leather, about 
two inches and a half in diameter, and generally about 1000 
feet in extent. It is divided into sections of fifty feet, each 
section being connected with brass swivel screws. 

The sum of $4000 is annually gi-anted by the councils of 
the city to the fire engine and hose companies of tlie city, 
for the purpose of enabling thein to keep their respective 
hose, engines, and appaiatus, in effective and useful con¬ 
dition. 

I'he following is believed to be a correct list of the engine 
and hose companies in the city and liberties. 

* Roberts Vaux and Reuben Haines, Esqr’s. 

Q 


186 

boaud of health. 


Engine Companies. 

Amicable, 

Hope, 

Assistance, 

Humane, 

Columbia, 

Neptune, 

Delaware, 

New-Market, 

Diligence, 

Niagara, 

Fame, 

Pennsylvania, 

Federal, 

Fellowship, 

Philadelphia, 

phoenix. 

Franklin, 

Relief, 

Friendshap, 

Tainnount, 

Reliance, 

Resolution, 

Globe, 

Good Intent, 

Union, 

United States, 

Good Will, 

Vigilant, 

Harmony, 

"Washington, 

Hibernia, 

Weccacoe. 


Hose Companies, 

Columbia, 

Neptune, 

Dihgent, 

Perseverance, 

Fame, 

Philadelpliia, 

Franklin, 

Phoenix, 

Good Intent, 

Resolution, 

Hope, 

Southwark, 

Humane, 

Washington. 


The number of persons belonging- to each company aver¬ 
ages about 35; from which it appears, that the number of 
volunteers organized for the suppression of fires, is upwards 
of 1600. 


Provision against the Introduction of Contagious Diseases. 

The system of quarantine, and the provisions for maintain¬ 
ing the health of the city, have mostly been introduced since 
the disastrous fever of 1793. The impression wliich gene¬ 
rally prevailed for many years that the yellow fever was an 
imported disease, induced the establishment of regulations 
for visiting and detaining vessels from foreign ports; while 
the belief which more decidedly prevails now of the domestic 
origin of the fever, has led to provisions for securing the clean¬ 
liness of the streets, and removing tlie seeds of the disorder. 


/ 


boaud of health. 


187 


The charge of these important objects is vested in a Board 
of Health, appointed annually by the councils of the city, and 
the commissioners of the adjoining districts. There are also 
appointed by the governor, a physician who resides at the 
Lazaretto, and is called the Lazaretto physician; another who 
resides in the city, and is called the port physician; a health 
officer, and a quarantine master. The quarantine regulations 
begin on the 1st of June, and continue until the 1st of Octo¬ 
ber, in each year. During that period, every vessel coming 
from foreign ports must anchor in the Delaware, near the 
Lazaretto, where it is the duty of the Lazaretto physician and 
qiiarantine master to visit and examine her, and if it appears 
that she came from a place at which any malignant or conta- 
■gious disease prevailed, she is detained for such time as the 
Board of Health may direct, not exceeding twenty days. If 
it appear, on examination, that there has been any person 
sick on board with a malignant or contagious disease, the 
vessel is detained such further time as the Board of Health may 
deem necessaiy, and the crew and baggage are not suffered 
to enter the city before the 1st of October, without the license 
and permission of the Board of Health. Vessels coming from 
any port south of Cape Fear, and vessels from any other port 
in the United States which have been within thirty days in a 
foreign port, are subject to the same examination and restric¬ 
tions. Severe penalties are imposed by law for a violation of 
the regul^ations on this subject. The Board of Health have 
also power to prohibit the entering into Philadelphia of any 
persons or goods, from any other place in the United States 
where a contiigious disease prevails, and the communication 
with such place is subject to the regulation of tlie Board. 
When any portion of the city is infected with fever, the Board 
have power to prevent all communication with the infected 
parts, and to remove the inhabitants. Between the 1st of 
June and the 1st of October, no vegetables, fish, or hides, 
can be landed at Philadelphia, without a peiTnit from the 
Board; and no person can keep in any one house or store 
more than 100 bushels of vegetables, without similar per¬ 
mission. Various subordinate regiUations, for preserv ing the 
health of the city, have been enacted. The lloard has also 
power, and are required, to remove all substances that may 
engender disease; and for this purpose, have authority to 



188 


MILITAUT FOnCE. 


enter and seai’ch any house or store where they may suspect 
such nuisance to exist. 

An exact reg-ister of tlie number of births and deaths in the 
city is kept by the Board of Health, the act of assembly re¬ 
quiring’ all physicians, surgeons, and practitioners of mid¬ 
wifery, to make returns periodically to the Board, in the case 
of deaths, once in each week, and of births once in each 
month. 

The following are the officers of the Board of Healtli for 
1824. 

President^ William Binder; Secretary, G. Emerson, M. D.; 
Treasurer, Samuel J. Bobbins; Clerk of the Board, Joseph 
Pryor; Health Ojfficer, WiUiam Man dry; Port Physician, Alex¬ 
ander Knight, M. D.; Lazaretto Physician, Geo. F. Lehman, 
M. D.; Quarantine Master, Heniy Kenyon. 

Office of the Board of Health, No. 47, South Fifth street, 
between Chesnut and Walnut streets. 

Military force of Philadelphia. 

The militaiy force of Philadelphia consists of militia and 
volunteers, there being no regular troops stationed in or near 
the city, except the marine corps at the navy yard, and the 
garrisons of Fort Mifflin, and of the arsenal at Frankford. 

The mihtia consists of all the able bodied white males be¬ 
tween the ages of 18 and 45, with certain exceptions, who 
have resided within the commonwealth one month. They 
are enrolled, formed into companies, paraded and trained 
twice in each year. The enrolled militia and volunteers in 
the city and county of Philadelphia, form a division, under the 
command of a major general, and two brigades under briga¬ 
diers. The following is a hst of the officers and regiments 
in the division. 

Major General Cadwalader. 

Aids—Major Mon-is, 

Major M’Call. 

First Brigade. 

Brigadier General Patterson, 

Brigade Inspector Sharpe, 

Brigade Major- 



MILITARY FORCE. 


189 


^th Regiment. —Col. Ladd, Lieut. Col. Jeffries, Majors 
'VValtman and Kuntz. 

19^4 Regiment. —Col. Coxe, Lieut. Col. Roney, Majors 
Coxe and Ingraham. 

72d Regiment. —Col. Bastian, Lieut. Col. Dickinson, Ma¬ 
jors Simmons and Cress. 

7^th Regiment. —Col. M’Mahon, Lieut. Col. Dubbs, Majors 
Pearse and Teese. 

8 I 5 / Regiment. —Col. Strahan, Lieut. Col. Smith, Majors 
Perkins and Brewster. 

96th Regiment. —Col. Simmons, Lieut. Col. Bozorth, Majors 
Wiley and Baker. 

102rf, or 1st Volunteer Regiment. —Col. Patterson, Lt. Col. 
Geyer, Majors Reilly and- 

IQ^thy or 2d Volunteer Regiment. —Col. Browne, Lieut. 
Col. Ueaves. Majors King and Emerick. 

128M, or 3c? Volunteer Regiment. —Col. Watmough, Lieut. 
Col. Williams, Majors Shuster and Page. 

Battalion of Artillery. —Lieut. Col. Prevost. 

Cavalry. —Two troops, commanded by Captain Smith and 
Lieut. Van Gelder. 

Number of Militia and Volunteers, First Brigade, 9916. 

Second Brigade. 

Brigadier General Castor, 

Brigade Inspector Snyder, 

Brigade Major Randall. 

Regiment. —Col. Fraley, Lieut. Col. Dj-tc, Majors Nor¬ 
throp and Neff. 

Ath Regiment. —Col. Brewster, Lieut. Col. Jack, Majors Eyre 
and Justice. 

A7thiRegiment.—Col. Riter, Lieut. Col. Wunder, Majors 
Smith and Peale. 

79th Regiment. —Col. Taylor, Lieut. Col. Rush, Majors 
Peiffer and Paul. 

SAth Regiment.—Col. Lesher, Lieut. Col. Norbury, Majors 
Dubois and Darker. 

9^d Regiment.—Col. Thompson, Lieut. Col. Loughead, 
Majors Dennis and Painter. 

iOOth Regiment.—Col. Hergesheimer, Lieut. Col. Roberts, 
Majors Evan and Conover. 

Q 2 



190 


MARKETS. 


\23d Regiment. —Col. CaiT, Lieut. Col. Howorth, Majors 
Osborn and I'homas. 


VOLXJNiTEERS. 

1st Regiment Philadelphia County Volunteers. —Col. Duf- 
field, Lieut. Col. Rumford, Major Badg-er. 

2d Regiment P. C. Volunteers. —Col. Riter, Lieut. Col. 
Smith, Majors Ashmead and Peale. . 

One Battalion Citizen Volunteers, commanded by Captain 
Frishmouth. 

Second Brigade—Militia, 7844 

Volunteers, 1728 

Total, 9572 

Recapitulation. 

First Brigade, 9916 Militia and Volunteers. 

Second Brigade, 9572 Ditto. 


19,488 

Being the total strength of tlie Philadelphia division, com¬ 
manded by Major General Cadwalader. 

Markets. 

Philadelphia is deservedly celebrated for the excellence 
of its provision markets. In the quality of the butcher’s meat 
and poultry, and the variety and goodness of the vegetables, 
it is not surpassed any where. Sti-angers are struck with the 
display of remarkably fine beef and mutton, and the quantity 
of it. The butter, too, brought to the Philadelphia market, 
is well known for its richness and superior flavour. Immense 
quantities of fruit are brought to this market, from the ad¬ 
joining gardens of New-Jersey. In the summer and fall, the 
market is generally overstocked with melons, peaches, and 
peai’s, which are sold at very low prices. 

High Street Market. 

The first, and, for a long time, the only mai'ket in Phila¬ 
delphia, was a frame house, or rather shed, on the hill at the 
corner of Front and Mai-ket streets, where a bell was rung 





MARKETS. 


101 


when produce was brought from the country for sale. A row 
of wooden stalls was some time afterwards placed in Market 
street, between Front and Second streets. In 1720, the first 
part of the market, west of the old court-house at the corner 
of Second street, was built. With the increase of population 
this market has gradually been extended westward, imtil now 
it reaches from Front to Eighth street. At the eastern ex¬ 
tremity of Market street has recently been erected a fish 
market, in a style which renders it ornamental to the street. 
I’his market is plentifully supplied with fish from the ocean 
and rivei-s, at v^ery moderate prices. 

South Second Street Market. 

Tliis is the second market in Philadelphia as respects its 
antiquity, and its supply of provisions. It is situated in South 
Second street, and extends from Pine to South street. Such 
is the demand and supply at tliis market, that it is contem¬ 
plated to extend it further soutli. 

North Second Street Markety 

Or Northern Liberties Market, is situated in North Second 
street, and extends from Coates’ sti*eet to Poplar lane. It is 
abundantly supplied with necessary provisions. 

Callowhill Street Markety 

Is situated in Callowliill street, between Front and Second 
streets. It consists of four market houses, standing, not like 
the other markets of Philadelphia in the centi’e of the street^ 
but on each side, leaving however room for passage to carts 
between the foot paths and the market. 

Kensington Markety 

Is situated on the public square. Beech street, running 
north from Maiden street. In summer a market is kept here 
on Sunday mornings until eight o’clock, as well as on other 
days. 

Wharton Market, 

Is in New Second street, Southwark, extending from Prime 
street to Federal street. A market is also held here on Sun¬ 
day moiming until eight o’clock. 


192 


MARKETS. 


Broad Street Market^ 

Is situated on Broad street, south of the Centre Square. It 
was built in 1814, but the demand has not been such as to 
cause this market to be well attended. 

There is also held a market in Callowhill street, between 
Fifth and Sixth streets, on each side of the street, although 
there is no market house. It is in contemplation, however, 
to erect a suitable building there for the purpose. 

The regular mai-ket days in the High street market are 
Wednesday and Saturday, and those in the Second street 
Market are Tuesday and Friday; but the markets are abun¬ 
dantly supplied with provisions on the other days of the week. 
The markets are under tlie control of the city and district 
governments, who liave placed them under the superinten¬ 
dence of persons called clerks of tlie market. Precise regu¬ 
lations have been laid down for the government of the mar¬ 
kets, and respecting weights and measures, and the intro¬ 
duction of game, &c. at improper seasons, or in an unsuitable 
condition, the enforcement of which is attended to by the 
clerks of the market. 


PART XIV. 

THEATRES, AND OTHER PLACES OF AMUSE¬ 
MENT. 

Chesnut Street Theatre. 

Theatrical amusements are not as popular in Philadelphia 
as in Europe ; nor indeed have they been as successful as in 
some other places in the United States; but a company of dra¬ 
matic performers, equal at least to any other on the conti¬ 
nent, has been established in this city for the last thiity years. 

The fii-st theatrical entertainment witnessed in Philadelphia 
was performed on the loth of April, 1754, in a building in 



THEATRES. 


193 


Water street near Pine street, originally erected for a store. 
The performances were continued here occasionally, until a 
larger and more suitable building was erected in South street 
between Fourth and Fifth sti’eets, by Messrs. Hallam and 
Henry, whose company is said to have been highly respect¬ 
able for numbers and talents. The Revolution put a period 
to the performances in South street, and the company em- 
bai'ked for .Jamaica, whence, after the peace, they returned 
to Philadelphia. In 1793, Mr. Wignell arrived from England 
with a strong corps of players, among whom were Moreton, 
Francis, Rhsset, Fennell, &c. About the same time, a hand¬ 
some and convenient theatre was built in Chesnut street be¬ 
tween Sixth and Seventh streets, in which the performances 
of the new company commenced. Here, for twenty-seven 
years, were exhibited theatrical perfonnances of a very high 
degree of excellence. Morton, Hodgkinson, Blisset, Francis, 
Fennel, Wood, Cooper, Jefferson, Cooke, Mrs. Meiry (after¬ 
wards Mrs. Warren), several of whom are still attached to tlie 
theatre, appeared on these boards. 

Here was made the first experiment in America, of lighting 
a theatre by gas; and the effect was so satisfactoiy, that the 
managers propose, with the eaiiiest opportunity, to renew 
the gas-lights, which wiU enable them to produce tlie most 
perfect scenic illusion. 

On the night of the 2d of April, 1820, this theatre was en¬ 
tirely destroyed by fire, togetlier with nearly all the scenery 
and dresses, and a very valuable collection of music. No 
performance had taken place in it for several days, the com¬ 
pany being at the time in Baltimore; and there is every reason 
to believe that the conflagi'ation was tlie work of an incen¬ 
diary. In consequence of this unfortunate event, the corps, 
under the management of Messrs. WaiTen and Wood, were 
compelled to resort to the Olympic theatre, at the corner of 
Ninth and Walnut streets, where the}" played for two winters, 
A subscription was however immediately entered into by a 
number of gentlemen, and, the requisite amount being sub¬ 
scribed, the present beautiful and convenient theatre was 
erected on the site of the former one. The new house was 
opened on the 2d of December, 1822, with an Addi-ess writ¬ 
ten for the occasion by Mr. Sprague of Boston, and spoken 
by Mr. Wood. The com]>any which the liberality and exer¬ 
tions of Messrs. M'aiTcn and Wood have brought together, is 


194 


THEATRES. 


probably the strongest in the United States. Besides the 
two managers, who are excellent performers in their respec¬ 
tive lines, it consists of Messrs. Wallack, Duff, Jefferson, Fmn- 
cis, Biu'ke, Wemyss—Mesdames Burke, Duff, Wood, Darley, 
Francis, Wallack, &c. 

Description of the building. The principal front of this 
building is on Chesnut street near Sixth street. It is of mar¬ 
ble, in the Italian style. Its leading features are an arcade 
supporting a screen of composite columns, and a plain enta¬ 
blature, and flanked by two wings. These are decorated 
with niches, containing statues of Tragedy and Comedy, 
which are justly considered the best productions from the 
chisel of Rush; and immediately below them are semi-circular 
recesses, with basso-relievos representing the tragic and comic 
Muses. 

The approach to the boxes is from Chesnut street through 
an arcade of five .entrances, opening into a vestibule 58 feet 
long by 8 feet wide, communicating at each end witli the 
box-office and a witlidrawing room. Screen doors, imme¬ 
diately opposite and con’esponding to the entrances of the 
arcade, lead from the vestibule into spacious lobbie.s, warmed 
by fire-proof furnaces, and capable of containing a thousand 
persons: from these, two flights of large staircases conduct 
to the lobbies of the second and third floors, and to a splen¬ 
did saloon and coffee-rooms on the second floor. 

The audience part of the house is described on a semi¬ 
circle of 46 feet diameter, containing three rows of boxes, 
resting on cast-iron columns, and secured with iron sockets, 
from the foundation to the dome; the whole being combined 
laterally with a strong wall, bounding the lobbies and .sup¬ 
porting the roof. The dress-circle of the boxes is formed by 
a seat in advance of the columns, covered with a canopy, in 
the style of the Covent Garden theatre, London. The pecu¬ 
liar form of this part of the house places the mass of the audi¬ 
ence within 35 feet of the .stage, securing to them the impor¬ 
tant objects of distinct sound and perfect scenic view. 

The dome is 46 feet in diameter, rising 6 feet to the cro^vn, 
which is perforated and formed into a ventilator, from which 
is suspended a bi’illiant chandelier, 28 feet in circumference, 
containing sixty large patent lamps, which light the whole 
house. 


THUATnES. 


195 


The dimensions of the building are 92 feet by 150. Exclu¬ 
sive of the lobbies, it will accommodate more than 2000 per¬ 
sons ; and the doorways which open outwards into the three 
surrounding streets are so wide and numerous as to dischai’ge 
the most crowded audience in less than three minutes. 

It is intended to finish the principal front by sunnounting 
it by a balustrade and blocking-course, with a pedestal in the 
centre to receive a statue of Shakspeare. 

This theatre, which combines beauty and convenience with 
great security, was designed and executed in 1822 by William 
Strickland, to whose taste and skill Philadelphia is indebted 
for the Bank of the United States, the church of St. Stephen’s, 
and many others of its most classical architectural ornaments. 

The Olympic Theatre^ 

At the corner of Walnut and Ninth streets, was built in 
1809, and was originally constructed as a circus for equestiian 
performances. The first entertainments of this description 
were under the direction of Messrs. Pepin and Breschard. 
An additional building was erected, a few years afterwards, 
north of the circus and adjoining it, by means of which a 
stage of respectable size was added to the house. Since that 
time, performances of a mixed dramatic and equestrian kind 
have taken place here, generally in the summer season. The 
equestrian company by whom it was occupied for the two 
last years, is a very respectable one, and drew overflowing 
houses. The edifice is now 80 feet in front on Walnut street, 
and 140 feet in depth on Ninth street. 

Prune Street Theatre. 

Dramatic performances are exhibited here during the win¬ 
ter season. The building is not large, but it is sufficiently 
commodious for the purposes of the company which performs 
in it. 

The Tivoli Theatre^ 

On the north side of Market street, near to the Centre- 
Square, is a summer theatre, being situated at the end of the 
Tivoli Garden, so called. 


196 


THEATRES. 


The Vauxhall Theatre 


Is also a summer theatre, and recently erected in the Vaux¬ 
hall Garden, on Broad street between Walnut and Chesnut 
streets. 

Such are the dramatic entertainments in Philadelphia. If 
they are not as numerous as in some other cities, it may be 
attribiUed perhaps to the g-eneral disposition of the inhabit¬ 
ants inclining them to more sober and scientific amusements. 
Among the places of resort of this latter description, may be 
mentioned tiie Academy of the Fine Arts, which is open 
every day, and an annual exhibition held in the month of 
May, the Pinladelphia Museum, the Market street Museum, 
the different exhibitions of paintings, &c., the public libra¬ 
ries and Athenaeum, and the various popular lectures on the 
sciences and arts. 


PART XV. 


FOREIGN CONSULS. 


Names of the Consuls of Forei^ Powersy resident in Phih- 
delptda. 


Colombia, 

Denmai-k, 

France, 


Edward Bany, Consul. 

John Bohlen, Vice-Consul. 

De la Forest, Consul-General. 
Gilbert Robertson, Consul. 

C. N. Buck, Consul-General. 
P. G. Lechleitner, Consul. 
John Vaughan, Vice-Consul. 
Jacob Sperry, Consul. 

T. Ivanoff, Consul-General. 

G. De Abbate, Consul-General. 
Juan de Bernabeu, Consul. 

L. Lorick, Consul. 


Great Britain, 

Hamburg, 

Netherlands, 


Portugal, 

Prussia, 


Russia, 


Sardinia, 

Spain, 


Sweden, 



( 197 ) 


TART XVL 

PRINCIPAL HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES— 
PUBLIC BATHS. 

List of the principal Hoteh or Inns for the Accommodation 
of Travellers, 

Buck Tavern, No. 130 North Second street. ' ^ 

Golden Harp, No. 43 North Third sti’eet. 

Golden Swan, No. 69 North Third street. 

Indian King-, No. 80 Market street. 

Indian Queen (Heiskell’s), No. 15 South Fourth street. 
Jeftries’s Tavern, No. 244 Market street. 

Judd’s Hotel, No. 27 South Third street. 

Mansion House, South Tliird street near Spruce. 

Red Lion, No. 200 Market street. 

Sorrel Horse, No. 39 North Second street. 

Union Hotel, south-west corner of Front and Chesnut 
streets. 

Western Hotel, No. 288 Market street. 

White Bear, No. 276 Market street. 

White Horse, corner of Market and Ninth streets. 

White Horse (.lohns’). No. 4 Bank street near Market, 
Yohe’s Hotel, Nos. 6 and 8 Nortli Fourth street. 

Boardings Houses. 

Anthony, Mrs. No. 19 South Seventh street. 

Austie, Mrs. No. 91 South Third street. 

Austin, Mi-s. No. 183 Market sti-eet. 

Austin, Mrs. No. 100 South Fourth street, 

Baker, Mrs No. 116 Arch street. 

Barton, Mrs. No. 204 Chesnut street. 

Bazu, Mi-s. No. 113 South Third street. 

Benson, Mrs. No. 151 Chesnut street. 

Boyce, Mrs. No. 113 South Third sti-eet. 

Boyd, Misses, No. 148 Chesnut sti’eet. 

Bradley, No. 108 Arch street. - 
Brown, Mrs. Arch street, above Sixth. 

Burns, Mrs. north-west corner of Eig'hth and Mark^ 
streets. 

U 


198 


BOAIlDirrG-HOlTSES. 


Burr, IVIi’S. No. 78 North Front street. 

Caldwell, Mrs. No. 23 South Fourth street. 

Campbell, Mi’s. Nc. 10 S^uiso^^'t street. 

Chamberlain, Mrs, No. 104 i^.rch sti-eet. 

Chandler, Miss, No. 16 Nortl^ Ninth sti'eet. 

Childs, jVIi’S. No. 180 Market sti-eet. 

Currie, Mrs. No 148 South Second street. 

Dandelotte, No. 40 South Eighth street. 

Davis, Mrs. No, 47 South Eighth street. ' 

Dillingham, Mrs. No. 181 Arch street. 

Dolby, >L's. Seventh street, opposite Sansom. 

Douglas, Mrs. No. 27 Sansom sti’eet. 

Drummond, Mi’s. south-west corner of Eighth and Wabiut 
streets. 

Dull, Ml’S. No. 249 Market sti’eet. 

Emory, Mi’s. Third street, opposite Cheii’y alley. 

Fleming, .Mrs. (French boai’ding-house) No. 129 South 
Second street. 

Fletcher, Mrs. No. 127 Arch street, 

Frasier, Mrs. No. 124 Spruce street. 

Fullerton, Mrs. No. 72 South Fourth street. 

Glenn, Mrs. No. 138 South Second sti’eet. 

Haslett, Jell’S. No. 238 Market sti’eet. 

Hay, Ml’S. No. 99 Arch street. 

Hood, Mrs. No, 98 Arch street, above Fifth. 

Hopkins, Mrs. south-east corner of Eighth and Walnut 
sti’eets. 

Jones, Ml’S. No. 352 Market street. 

Kelley, Mrs. Market street, below Third. 

Lybrand, Mrs. No. 38 Filbert street. 

Lynn, Mrs. corner of Third street and Willing^s alley. 
Mailers, Mrs. No. 98 South Front sti’eet. 

Marshall, Mrs. No. 38 Sansom street. 

M’llroy, Miss, corner of M’alnut and Tenth streets. 

Moore, Mi’s. No. 156 South Sixtli street, 

Mulock, Mis. No. 316 Market street. 

Myers, Mrs. south-east corner of Ninth and Filbert streets. 
Newlin, Mrs, No. 110 Arch street. 

O’Connor, Mrs. No. 298 Market sti’eet. 

Oellers, Mrs. north-west corner of Foul’d! and Spruce 
streets. 

Olden, Mrs. No. 96 North Front street. 


BOARDIJiTG-HOrSES AXI) BATHS. 


199 


Olmstea(^ Mrs. No. 98 South Fourth street. 

Pease, Miss, No. 295 Market street. 

Pennington, Mrs. No. 51 Sansoin sti’eet. 

PeiTy, Mr.s. No. 3 Sansom street. 

Polhernus, Mrs. south-west* comer of Foiulh and Arch 
sti’eets. 

Potts, Mrs. No. 85 Arch street. 

Provost, Mrs. south-east corner of Fourth and AValnut 
streets. 

Randolph, Mi*s. No. 258 Market street. 

Ridg-vvay, Mrs. No. 141 Arch sti-eet. 

Rodg-ere, Mrs. No. 87 Chesnut street. 

Ross, Mrs. No. 205 Mai’ket street. 

Schyren, Mrs. No. 140 Soatli Second street. 

Shackelford,- No. 29 Sansom sti’eet. 

Shaw, Mrs. No. 29 Arch street. 

Shinn, Mi’s. No. 110 South Fomth street. 

Simpson,- No. 254 Market street. 

Spencer, Mi-s. No. 35 Sansom .street. 

Spencer, Mrs. No. 108 South Tliird street. 

Sweney, Mrs. north-east comer of Eig-htli and Market 
streets. 

Sword, Mrs. No. 70 South Foui’th street. 

Turner, Mi’s. No. 8 North Front street. 

Turner, xVIrs. No. 112 South Fourth street. 

Whaife, Mrs. No. 152 South Second street. 

Public Baths, 

Fromberg-er’s court, west from No. 34 North Second street, 
between Market and Aren streets. 

West or back of No. 126 South Second street, between 
Walnut and Spruce sti-eets—entrance also from Laurel street. 

Blngliam’s couil, nordi from No. 69 Spruce street, back of 
tlie Mansion-House. 

A large batli-house is anchored in tlie Delawai’e, opposite 
Market street, during tlie summer season—boats receive 
visitci-s at Mai-ket street wharf. 




( 200 ) 


PART XVII. 


STANDS FOR HACKNEY-COACHES, Sec. 

Stands for Hackney Coaches and Sleighs. 

No. 1—Dock street, from Third to Second street. 

No. 2—Pine street, from Fourth to Fifth sti’eet. 

No. 3—Sixth street, from Walnut to Prune street. 

No. 4—Sixth street, from Chesnut to Walnut street—even¬ 
ing stand only. 

No. 5 —Seventh street, from Chesnut to George street. 

No. 6-r-Mulberry street, from Fifth to Sixth street. 

No. 7 —Ninth street, from George to Walnut street. 

Stands for Carts. 

No. 1—Drawbridge, from Front to Water street. 

No. 2—Dock street, from Front to Little Dock street. 

No. 3—Walnut street, from Front to Water street. 

No. 4—Chesnut street, from Front to Water street. 

No. 5 — Mulberry street, from Front to Water street. 

No. 6 — Sassafi-as sti’eet, east of Water street. 

No. 7 — Vine street, from Front to Water sti’eet. 

Stands for Drays. 

No. 1—Penn street, from Pine to Cedar street. 

No. 2—Water street, from the Drawbridge to Pine street. 
No. 3—Spruce, Pine, and Cedai’ streets, east of Front street. 
No. 4—Front street, from Chesnut to Walnut street. 

No. 5 —Front street, from Walnut street to Hamilton’s 
stores. 

No. 6—Walnut street, east of Water street. 

No. 7 — Chesnut street, from Front to Second street. 

No. 8—Front street, from Sassafras to Vine street. 

No. 9—Vine street, from Front to Second street. 

No. 10 — Mulberry street, from Front to Second street. 


STANDS FOR WHEELBARROWS, &C. 201 

No. 11—Second street, from Sassafras street to Coates* 
alley. 

No. 12—Branch street, from Third to Fourth street. 

No. 13—Third street, south of Ilig-h sti'eet. 

No. 14—Dock street, east of Third sti’eet. 

No. 15—Decatur street, from High to Cai’penter street. 

No. 16—Seventh street, above and below Market sti’eet. 

No. 17—Eiglith street, from Filbert to High street, and 
from High to Chesnut street. 

No. 18—Ninth street, from High to Chesnut street. 

No. 19—Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Tliirteenth streets, 
from High to Chesnut street. 


Stands for Wheelbarrows^ &c. 

No. 1—High street, from Front to Water street. 

2— Front street, )iorth of High street. 

3— Front street, south of High street. 

4— Second street, north of do. 

5— Third sti’eet, do. do. 

6— Fourth street, do. do. 

7— Fifth street, do. do. 

8— Sixth sti’eet, south of do. 

9— Eighth street do. do. 

10— Ninth street, north of do. 

11— Pine street, east of Second street. 

12— Cedar street, do. 

13— Front street, north and south of Mulberry street. 

14— Cedar street, from the wharf to Water street. 

15— Dock street, from Front street to the end of Garrett’s 
stores. 

16— Front street, north of the Drawbridge. 

17— Dock street, north of Walnut street. 


R2 


( 202 ) 


PART XVIII. 


List of StageSf Steam-Boats^ and Packets, which depart f rom 
Philadelphia for Europe, and for places in the United States. 

Baltimore, via Newcastle and Frenchtown, Union Line of 
steam-boats and packets, No. 6 South Whaiwes. The steam¬ 
boats leave Philadelphia eveiy day at 12 o’clock noon, and 
aiTive at Baltimore early the next morning’ with the United 
States’ mail; also, leave Mondays, AVcduesdays, and Fridays, 
at 6 o’clock in the morning, and arrive in Baltimore the same 
day. The packets for goods leave four times a week. A 
steam-boat from Baltimore arrives with the mail every morn¬ 
ing, from 8 to 10 o’clock. A steam-boat also arrives Mon¬ 
day, Wednesday, and Friday, in the afternoon, from 6 to 8. 
Passengers may go to the Lazai*etto, Chester, and Mai’cus 
Hook, by this line. 

Baltimore United Slates’ mail stage, (winterroute); office, 
No. 30 South Third street, and No. 43 South Fourth street. 
Leaves daily at 73 o’clock, and arrives at 11, A. M.—Leaves 
Baltimore at 3 P. M., and arrives there at 4 A. M. Route 
through Chester, Wilmington, Elkton, and Havredegi’ace. 

Baltimore, Alexandria, and Georgetown packets, for trans- 
portation of merchandise, Morris’s whaif, second above the 
Drawbridge. 

Bethlehem stage; office. Race street, four doors above 7'hird 
street.—Leaves on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, at 4 
o’clock A. M., and returns at 4 P. M. on Mondays, Wednes¬ 
days, and Fridays. Also by this to Wilkesbarre, Montrose, 
Owego, Ithaca, Batavia, and Buffalo. 

Blackwoodtown stage, office, Reeves’s feny, upper side 
Market street wharfs—Leaves once a week, Saturdays, at 3 
P. M., and returns at 11 A. M. 


Bordentown, by New-York lines. 


STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, ANl) PACKETS. 


203 


Boston Union Line of packets for transportation of mer- 
clianclise by sea; office at Sumerl’s, or Boston packet wliaif, 
between Arch and Race streets. 

Boston packets, regular line, for transpoilation of merchan¬ 
dise by sea; office. No. 43 North Water sti-eet. 

Bristol, (Pa.) by New-York lines of stages or steam-boats. 

Bridgetown mail stage office, Arch street feny—Leaves 
dally at sunrise, and returns at 2 o’clock P. M. 

Burlington, (N. J.) by New-York lines of stages and steam¬ 
boats. 

Cape-May stage. See Port Elizabeth. 

Cape Island mail stage, (office Arch sti’eet feny,) and in¬ 
termediate places—Leaves twice a week, Wednesdays and 
Saturdays, and returns Mondays and Thursdays. 

Chambersburg. See Lancaster and Pittsburg stage. 

Cumberland mail stage, (office. Arch street ferr}",) via 
Woodbur}^, Carpenter’s Landing, Mullica Hill, Port Elizabeth, 
Dennis’s Creek, Goshen, Cape May Couit-House, Coldspring, 
and Cape Island—Leaves twice a week, Wednesdays and 
Saturdays; returns Mondays and Thursdays. 

Downingstown stage; office. Western Hotel, No. 288 Mar¬ 
ket street—Leaves Wednesdays and Saturdays; returns Mon¬ 
days and I'hursdays. 

Frankford stage; office. No. 130 North Second street— 
Leaves and arrives twice a day. Also, Jenkintown. Willow- 
grove, and Doylestown—Leaves Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 
Saturdays; returns Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

Frankford, Ilohnesburg, and Bustleton stage; office, No. 
59 Nortli Second street—^twice a day. 


204 


STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, AND PACKETS. 


Germantown and Chesnut Hill stages; offices. Nos. 16 and 
118 North Tliird street—Leave and arrive twice a day. 

Great Egg Hai’bonr mail stage, (office. Arch street ferry,) 
via Haddonfield, Longacomeing, May’s Landing, Summers’s 
Point, and Absecum, once a week—Leaves on Thursdays, 
at sunrise; and returns on Tuesdays, at sunset. 

Haddonfield mail stage; office, Reeves’s ferry, upper side 
Market street whai-f—Leaves daily (Sundays excepted) at 4 
P. M.; and returns daily, at 11 A. M. 

Harrisburg. See Lancaster and Pittsburg stage. 

I^ancaster and Pittsbui’g stage; office. Western Hotel, No. 
288 Market street—Leaves daily, at 4 o’clock A. M., and re¬ 
turns same hour in the evening. Route through Harrisburg 
and Chambersburg, by this line, which is also connected with 
Baltimore, by way of Cumberland and York; arrives daily from 
all these places. 

Liverpool—three lines of packets. 

1st. Sails from Philadelphia on the 20th of each montli, and 
from Liverpool on the 8th of each montli, and consists of the 
following ships:— 

Algonquin, Dixey. Tuscarora, Serrill. 

Alexander, Baldwin. Montezuma, Potts. 

Apply to Thomas P. Cope and Sons, Walnut street wharf. 

2d. Sails from Philadelphia on the 5th of each month, and 
from Liverpool on the 25th. 

Ships Manchester, Plato, 

Sarah Ralston, PliiladelpMa. 

Apply to John Welsh, No. 50 South Wliarves. 

3d. Sails every month from Philadelphia to Liverpool, via 
Savannah, and sails from Liverpool to Philadelphia on the 
20th of each month. 

Ships Florida, Wilson. Courier, Marshal. 

Julius Caesar, French. Delaware, Hamilton. 
Colossus, Marshal. 

Apply to Spackman and Wilson, No. 21 Church alley. 


STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, AND PACKETS. 


205 


Moorestown stag-e; office, Reeves’s ferrj’, upper side Mar¬ 
ket street wliaif—Leaves daily (Sundays excepted) at 3 
o’clock P. M., and returns at 11 A. M. 

Mount-Holly mail stage, (office. Arch street ferry,) via 
Moorestown—Leaves daily, at 2 o’clock P. M., (Sundays ex¬ 
cepted,) and returns at 10 A. M. 

New-York United States’ mail; office, No. 30 South Third 
street—I.eaves daily, at 3 o’clock P. M., and retunis at 6 
A. M. Amves at, and departs from New-York, the same. 
Route tlu'ough I’renton, Princeton, and New-Bmnswick. 

New-York citizens* coach, summer route, through Borden- 
town and Washington; principal offices. No. 30 South Third 
street, and Mansion-House—Leaves Market street wharf by 
steam-boats daily, (Sundays excepted,) at 6 o’clock A. M., 
and arrives same hour. Time of departui'e from, and arrival 
at New-York, the same. 

Winter route, by coach, through Bristol, Trenton, Prince¬ 
ton, New-Brunswick, Elizabeth-Town, and Newark—Leaves 
No. 30 South Third street, at 4 A. M., and returns at 7 P. M.— 
Leaves New-York at 6 A. M., and returns at 5 P. M. 

New-York Union Line of steam-boats; office. No. 5 South 
Wharves, and general office Judd’s hotel—Leaves daily (Sun¬ 
days excepted) at 6 o’clock A. M., and 12 M.; arrives from 6 
to 8 P. M., and from 9 to 10 A. M. Arrives at, and departs 
from New-York, the same, except leaving at 11 A. M. Route 
through Trenton, Princeton, and New-Brunswick. 

New-York Columbian line by steam-boats—leaves the up¬ 
per side of Market street wharf, daily (Sundays excepted) at 
6 o’clock A. M. and an-ives at 6 P. M. Hours of departure 
and arrival at and from New-York, the same. Route tiu-ough 
Bordentown and Washington. 

New-York New Line by steam-boats—leaves the upper 
side of Market street wharf; daily (Sundays excepted) at 12 
o’clock M. and returns at 10 A. M. Leaves New-York at 11 
A. M. and returns at 10 A. M. Route tlu'OUgh Bordentown, 
Princeton, and New-Brunswick. 


206 STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, AND PACKETS. 

New-York Packets, reg-ular line, for transpoKation of mer¬ 
chandise by sea. Office, No. 37 South Wharves. 

New-York Union Line of Packets, for ti’ansportation of 
merchandise by sea. Office, No. 22 Soutli Wharves. 

New-York Union Line, for transpdotation of mercliandise. 
Office No. 3 Noith Whaiwes. 

New Mills mail stag'e, office at Reeves’s feny, upper side of 
Market street—leaves on Wednesdays and SatiU’days, and 
returns on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Norfolk, Petei’sburg, and Richmond regidar line of packets, 
for transportation of merchandise by sea. Morris’s whaiT, 
second above the Drawbridge. 

Norristown stage, office No. 138 Race street, by way of 
Falls of Schuylkill and Roxborough—leaves on Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays, and returns on Mondays, Wednes¬ 
days, and Fridays. 

Port Elizabeth mall stage, office at Reeves’s feny, upper 
side of Market street wharf, through Woodbury, Bamsbo- 
rough, and Millville—leaves on Wednesdays and Satui’days 
at sun-rise, and returns on Mondays and Thiu’sdays. The 
Cape May stage is connected with this line. 

Reading stage, daily line (Sundays excepted) office in 
Race street, four doors above Third street—leaves at 4 A. M. 
and returns same hour P. M. 

Roxborough stage, office No. 18 North Fourth street— 
leaves daily (Sundays excepted) at 4 P. M. and returns daily 
at 10 A. M. 

Salem mail stage, office at Reeves’s feiTy, upper side of 
Market street wharf, daily (Sundays excepted) through 
Woodbury, Swedesborough, Sharpstown, and Woodsto^\^l. 

Sunbury and Northumberland stage, office in Race street, 
four doors above Third street—leaves on I'uesdays and Sa¬ 
turdays, A. M. A stage to Harrisburg is connected with this 
line. 


STAGES, STEAM-BOATS, AND PACKETS. 207 

Trenton stage, office No. 23 South Third street. For sum¬ 
mer route, see New-York steam-boat lines. 

Tuckerton and Little Egg Hai'bour stage, office at Fisher^s 
feiT}’, lower side of Market street wharf. 

Upper Feny and Fair Mount stage (summer establisliment) 
offices No. 167 North Third street, in Race street, four doors 
above Third street, and No. 144 Market street, daily, at 1 P. M. 
and every two hours for the remainder of the day. 

Westchester and West-Town School stage, office No. 18 
North Fourth street—leaves on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 
Saturdays, and returns on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri¬ 
days:—to West-Town School, Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 
returns on Mondays and Thursdays. 

Wilmington and Dover stage, offices No. 80 Market street, 
and No. 4 Bank street—leaves daily at 8 and 10 A. M. and 
aiTives daily, at 2 and 4 P. M. To Chestertown and Easton, 
Md. by this line. 

Woodbury mail stage, office at Reeves’s ferry, upper side 
of Market street wharf—leaves daily (Sundays excepted) at 
3 P. M. and returns at 11 A. M. 

Yellow Springs, Valley Forge, Phosnix Works, and Kim- 
berton stage, office No. 50 North Fourth street—leaves on 
Tuesdays, Tliursdays, and Saturdays, and returns on Mondays, 
Wednesdays, and Fridays. 


( 208 ) 


PART XIX. 


LIST 

Of Streets, Roads, Lanes, Jilleys, Avenues, Courts, IVlmirves, 
Ship-Yards, Public Buildings, Manufactories, Places of 
Amusement, &c. with their proper names, as well as those 
they are sometimes known by, arranged in alphabetical 
order,- with References for finding their situations on the 
Plan of PhiluA^lphia and its Environs. 

DIRECTIONS FOR THE READER. 

{C)«tands for the City—(M) for Moyamensing—(P. T) for Penn TowTiship 
. —(S) for Southwark—(K) fur Kensington—(N. L) for Northern Liber- 
ties—(P) for Passyunk—(Sch.) for Schuylkill—(V) for Vineyard, u c. 
Francissille. 

Example. To find the different places on the Plan. 

To find the Librarj', look for it in the Alphabetical List, which you will 
find is numbered 295 on the margin: this number stands for the place on 
the Plan, and the letters of reference L M. q r. opposite. Then turn to 
the Plan, and pass the eye down in a line betw'een the great letters L M. 
on the top, until it comes opposite the small letters q r. on the sides: w here 
the lines intersect, you will readily find the place. 0:^ You can also refer 
from the Plan to the Book. 

The reader will please to observe the following general rule for finding 
the numbei*s on houses in the different streets in this city. In those streets 
that run east and west, say High street, the numbers begin from the De¬ 
laware, the odd being on the north side. In those streets that run north 
and south, say Fourth street, the numbers begin from High street, ruuninr 
north and south, the odd being on the east side. 


A 

1 Academy of Fine Arts, L M. m n. 
Acorn alley, K. n o. 

2 Adams street, G. p q. 

3 Adams St Simmons’s wharf, P Q. u. 

4 Adelphi alley, Q R. s t. 

Alban street, OP. k 1. 

5 Alberson’s wharf, F G. u v. 

6 Alder alley, O P. m n. 

Allen street (K), U. vw. 

7 Allen’s alley, H I. p q. 

8 Allen’s 00011 , IK. q r- 



209 


ALPHABETICAL LIST OF STREETS, &C. 

Almond street, G H. s t. 

Alms-House and House of Employment, I K. m n. 
9 Alms-House Burial-Ground, F. m. 

10 American Fire Insurance Office, L M. r s. 

Ann street (N. L), P. s. 

Ann sti-eet (Sch.), K. g*. 

Ann sti-eet (Sch.), N. hi. 

Ann sti’eet (C) H. 1. 

Anne street (V), T U. f g. 

Apollo street, G H. r. 

Apple street, S T. q r. 

Appletree alley, N O. q r. 

11 Apprentices’ Library. L. r. 

12 Apricot alley, K1^. m n. 

Arcli street. See Mulberry. 

Argyle street, G 11. t u. 

Arsenal street, E. c. 

Artillery lane. See Duke street (N. L 
Ash sti’eet, A. v w. 

13 Asn alley, M. d e. 

Aspen alley, I. d e. 

14 Aspen court, M. d e. 

Asheton street, I. c d. 

Athenaeum. See Philosophical Hall. 

15 Atkinson’s court, H l.-pq. 

16 Ayres’, F. whart and ship-yard, V. y. 

17 Ayi’es & Landel’s wharf and ship-yard, T. \v. 

18 Ayres’ whaif, U V. y. 


B 

19 Baker’s court, S. r. 

20 Baker’s court, S. t. 

21 Baker street, G H. o p. 

22 Baker’s (or St. George’s) alley, P. s 

23 Baker’s wharf, W. z. 

24 Ball alley, H. r s. 

25 Ball’s alley, R S. u. 

26 Ball’s wharf, R S. v. 

Banks. See Carndm^ Commercialy Farmers & Mechanics, 
Girard's, Mechanics', North America, Northern Liber- 
ties, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and Unit¬ 
ed States, 

S 


210 ALPHABETICAL LIST 

27 Bank alley, L. s. 

Bank street, L M. s. See New Bank. 

28 Barclay’s alley, I. p. 

Barker street, AI. g-. 

Barley alley, I. m n. 

29 Barron street, H. s. 

30 Basin of the old Water Works, L M. c. 

31 Bath-House, K. s. 

31| Bath-House, N. s. 

Batli-House. See Bingham^s court. 

Beach street (K), S T. u v. 

Beach sti-eet (Sch.) I. c d. 

32 Bearsticker’s court, N O. p q. 

Beaver street, T U. s. 

Beaver street, A. v w. 

Beck’s alley, E F. t u. 

33 Beck’s shot manufactory, N O, e. 

34 Beck & Stewart’s paper-hanging’ manufactory, N. k. 

35 Beck street, F G. p q. 

36 Beck’s wharf, M. t u. 

37 Beck’s whaif, I. u. 

Bedford street (K), U V. v w. 

Bedford street (M), G H. o p. 

Bell’s court. See Marshall’s alley, 

38 Bethel Episcopal Church (African Methodist), H I. p q. 

39 Bethel Episcopal Buiial-Ground (African Methodist), 

F G. q r. 

40 Bible Christian Church, V W. r s. 

41 Bickley’s wliarf, M N. t u. 

42 Bickley’s wharf, S. v. 

43 Biddle’s alley, M. s. 

44 Bidoman’s wharf, V W. y z. 

45 Bidoman’s wharf, V W. z. 

46 Billings’ court, N O. o. 

47 Bingham’s court, K. r s. 

Bird’s court, K. m n. 

Bishop street, W. z. 

Blackberry alley, K. o. 

Black-horse alley, M. s t. 

48 Black-horse alley, M N. q r. 

49 Bliglit’s wharf, 1 K. u. 

Blockley Burial-Ground, N O. ab. 



OF STllEETS, SiC. 


211 


Bloom alley, B Q. k. 

49^ Bolton’s coni-t, M. p q. 

Bond street, W X. q r. 

50 Bonsall street, II1. n. 

51 Bonsall & Rhodes* steel manufactory, 1. b. 

52 Boom’s wharf, T U. w x. 

53 Bowers’ wharf* and sliip-yard, T. w x. 

54 Bowers & Vandoosen’s whaif and sliip-yard, T U. x. 

55 Bowers’ wharf, S T. v w. 

56 Bradford’s alley, H I. o p. 

57 Bradf'ord’s whaif, S. v w. ^ 

Branch street, O P. r s. *' 

58 Branner’s alley, O P. q. 

Bread street, N O. s. 

Brewer’s alley. See Wood street. 

59 Brig-ht’s wharf, O P. u. 

60 Britton’s alley, P Q t u. 

61 Britton’s J. wharf, P. u. 

62 Britton’s W. whaif, P Q. u. 

Broad sti*eet, H I. i k. 

63 Broad street market, L M. i k. 

64 Brooke street, S. r s. 

65 Brooke’s couil, O. t. 

66 Brooke’s whaif, O. u. 

Browne street vK), X. xy. 

Browne sti’cet, S T. q r. 

67 Browne’s court, O. t. 

68 Browne’s court (N L), R S. tu. 

69 Browne’s whaif, V y z. 

70 Bnisstar’s alley, U. w. 

Br} an’s alley, O P q. 

71 Bryan’s court, N O. p q. 

Buck road, B C h. 

72 Buck Tavern, O P. s t. 

Budd street, R S. t. 

72^ Budd’s wharf, RS. uv. 

73 Budden’s alley, N (). 1. 

74 Burd’s alley, F G. s t. 

Burg'e street, U V. r s. 

75 Burton’s ship-yard, 1) E. u v. 

76 Bush-Hill Hotel, Q, It. g h. 


212 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


Butcher’s wharf. See Howell & Shoemaker’s, being the 
first south of it. 

77 Bui-tis’s cotton-spinning manufactory, VW. yz. and 77 

intended T U. w. 

78 Butler’s whai’ves. 

79 Buttonwood alley, M N. 1. 

Buttonwood street, Q R. k I. ^ 

C 

Cable lane. See New Market street. 

80 Cadbury’s cotton manufactoiy, R. t u. 

Cadwalader street, V W. s. 

81 Caledonian court, M N. m n. 

82 C alio whin market, P Q. t. 

Callowhill street, P Q,. d. 

Camac street, Y. m n. 

83 Camden Bank office, M N. r s. 

Canal street, T U. u v. 

Canal road, P Q. d e. 

Canal road, S T. a b. 

Canal of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, R. 

Canal street, Q R. a. 

Carlton square, south side of Callowhill sti'eet, between 
Eleventh and Twelfth streets. 

Carlton street. See part of Bloom alley. 

84 Cai'lyle’s court, K L. q. 

85 Carpenter’s alley, F G. s. 

86 Carpenter sti’eet, L M. p. 

87 Carpenter’s court, L M. r s. 

Carpenter’s hall. See Carpente)'’8 court. 

Carpenter street (S), E F. r s. 

Carter’s alley, L M. s. 

Castle street, O P. m n. 

Catharine street, F G. t. 

88 Cauffiman’s coiul, O. s t. 

89 Caufiinan’s court, N O. r s. 

Cedar street, H. d e. The southern boundary of the city. 
Centre street, R. f g. 

Centre Square and Fountain, M. k. 

90 Centre alley, K L. m. 

91 Chancei’y lane, N. s t. 


or STREETS, &c. 213 

Charles street (P. T), PQ.no. 

Charles street (V), T. f g*. 

Charlotte street, S T. r s. 

Charlotte street, V W. r s. 

Cherry street (C), N O. e. 

Cherry street (K), W. y. 

Chesnut street, L M. d e. 

Chester street, O. o. 

92 Children’s Asylum, D E. q. 

93 China street, D E. t. 

94 Christ Church llurial-Ground, M N. q r. 

95 Christ Church and Buinal-Ground, M N. s t. 

Christ Chui-ch Hospitol for Widows. See Widow’s Asy¬ 
lum of Christ Church. 

Christian street, E F. t. 

Church alley, M N. r s. 

Church street, B. t u. 

Church’s alley. See Shepherd’s alley. 

Circus. See Olympic Theatre. 

City Dancing Assembly Room. See Washington Hall. 
City Hall. See State-House. 

City Hospital, S. f. 

96 City Public Burial-Ground, or Potter’s Field, U. e f. 

97 Clapier & Cutbbert’s whaif, H I. u. 

98 Clare alley, O P. k 1. 

99 Clarkson school-house, N O. p q. 

Clawges’ court. See Fennsylvania avenue. 

Clili'ord’s wharf. See Girard’s. 

Clifton street, G H. m n. 

Clever alley, IK. p q. 

Clover street, L M. 1. 

100 Chmier’s alley, G. p q. 

Coates’ alley, OP. s t. 

101 Coates’ Burial-Ground, S T. r s. 

102 Coates’ court, P Q. t. 

Coates’ street, T. k 1. 

103 Cobb’s court, T. r. 

104 Coffee’s Steam-Boiler Manufactory and Smith, QR. gb, 

105 Cohocksinc Presbyterian Meeting-House, Y. q r. 

106 Colhoun’s wharf, M N. t u. 

Coleman’s wharf. See part of Colhoun’s, 

College avenue, M. ii. 

S 2 


214 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


Columbian Garden. See Tivoli, &c. 

107 Combined Mission-House and Biuial-Ground, U V. t u. 

108 Commercial Bank, L M. r s. 

Commissioners’ Hall, (city and county.) See State-House, 

109 Commissioners’ Hall (S.), E F. st. 

110 Commissioners’Hall (N. L), RS. rs. 

111 Comptroller street, I K. s. 

Conwell’s Steel Manufactory. See Glass-House, Kensing¬ 
ton, a little north of it. 

Coombe’s alley, N. s t. 

112 Cooper’s court, NO. st. 

113 Cooper’s court (N. L), S. tii. 

114 Cope’s wharf, L. tu. 

115 Cordwainers’ alley, H I. n o. 

116 Coulter’s wharf, E F. u v. 

Council Chambers (Select and Common). See State- 
House. 

Coiutland street, N. g h. 

117 Covenanter’s Church and Burial-Ground, M. m n. 
Covenanter’s Church Burial-Ground, H I. p. 

Cox’s alley, G H. s t. 

118 Cox’s wharf, EM. tu. 

Crab street. See Apollo. 

119 Cramp’s M^harf, W X. z. 

Cresson’s alley, N O. p q. 

120 Cresson’s court, N O. q.( 

Crooked Billet wharf. See Cox's. 

Crown street, O P. q r. 

Crown street (K), V. w. 

CuiTant alley, K. m n. 

121 Custom-House. K L. s t. 

122 Cuthbert’s wharf, R S. u v. 

123 Cuthbert’s wharf, H I. u. 

Cuthbert’s wharf. See Clapier & CuthberVs. 

124 Cypress alley, 1 K. r s. 

Dam of Fairmount Water Works, R S. 

125 Davis’s alley, L M. k 1. 

Davis’s alley. See Duncan Burial-Ground- 

126 Dawson’s court, L M. r s. 

Dean street. See Perry. 

Dean street (K), V. v w. 


215 


OF STREETS, &C. 

127 Dean’s alley, I K. o. 

Debtoi’’s Apartment. See New Jail. 

Decatur street, M. p. 

128 Delaware Insurance Office, L. s t. 

129 Dev-^al’s coiul, P Q. s. 

Dlllwyn street, Q R. r s. 

130 Dispensary and Health Office, L. q r. 

131 Dispensary, Northeni, R S. t. 

132 Dispensary, Southern, G H. r s. 

Dickson sti’eet, B C. u. 

Dock street, Iv L. s t. See Little Dock. 

Donaldson’s alley, E. c. 

133 Donaldson’s wliarf and mast shed, G. u. 

134 Donaldson’s wharf and mast shed (K), T U. w. 
Donaldson’s alley, Q tu. 

Drawbridg’e, Public I.anding*, K. t u. 

Drinker’s alley, N O. s t. 

135 Drinker’s court, I. s, 

Duke street, R. s t. 

Duke street (K), W X. v w. 

136 Duncan’s court and Burial-Ground, GH. rs. 

Dunton’s rope walk, W. u v. 

E 

East street, A. w x. 

137 East alley, N' O. 1 m. 

138 Ebenezer Church and Burial-Ground, F. rs. 

139 Eckfeldt’s court, iVl N. q. 

Eig-hth street, H I. o p. 

Eig'hth street (Sch.), H I. i. 

140 Eighth Presbyterian Church and Burial-Ground, 1 K. 

r s. 

Eighth Presbyterian Chui’ch Bui'ial-Ground. See Dun¬ 
cans, &c. 

141 Elbow alley, I. p q. 

142 Elbow lane, L M. r s. 

Eleventh street, H I. m. 

Elfreth’s alley, N O. s t. 

Elizabeth street, I K. p. 

Elizabeth street, T U. p. q. 

Elm street. See New street. 

143 Elmslie’s alley, K L. s t. 

144 Emlen’s alley, IK. q. 


216 


ALPHABETICAI LIST 


145 Emlen’s court, Q R. t u. 

146 Emlen’s M'haif, R. u v. 

147 Episcopal academy, KL. no. 

148 Ettris’s couil, O. q. 

Evangelical Reformed Church. See Reformed Dutch 
Church. 

149 Evans’s court, OP. p q. 

Exchange Coff ee-House. See Merchants*. 

150 Eye and Ear Infii-maiy, M. o p. 

F 

Fair Mount Water Works, R. a. 

Fairview street, -Q R. f g. 

Farmer’s alley. See Sugar alley. 

151 Fanners’ and Mechanics’ Bank, L M. qr. 

152 Farmer’s Row, KL,. st. 

153 FaiT &. Kunzi’s Chemical Laboratoiy, T. q r. 

154 Fan’ & Kunzi’s Chemical Laboratory, T U. n. 

Fayette sti’cet, N. n. 

155 Fearris’s court, O P. tu. 

156 Federal alley, D E. c. 

Federal street, 1). r. 

FeiTV road, N O. a. 

157 Fetter lane, N O. r s. 

158 Fifth Presbyterian Church and Burial-Ground, N 0. m n. 
Fifth street, H I. q r. 

Fifth street (Sch.), H I. g. 

Filbert street, N. e. 

159 Fire Association and Insurance Office, N O. p. 

160 First African Baptist Church and Burial-Ground, OP. 0. 

161 First Baptist Church and Burial-Ground, N. s. 

162 First Presbyterian Church, K. p. 

163 First Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground, M. s. Mso^ 

see Third Presbyterian Church Burlal-Ch'ound. 

First Presbyterian Church Northern Liberties. See Pres¬ 
byterian i^N. L). 

First Presbyterian Church Northern Liberties Bm’ial- 
Ground. See Presbyterian Church. 

First Presbyterian Church Southwark. See Old Ebenezer. 

164 First Aft'ican Presbyterian Church, GII. p. 

165 First Reformed Dutch Church, OP. qr. 

166 First Reformed Dutch Chui’ch Burial-Ground, N 0. m n. 

First Universalist Churcli. See Universalists, 


217 


OF STREETS, &.C. 

I 665 Fisher’s wharf, G H. u v. 

Fitler street, Y Z. t. 

Fitz water street, G. p q. 

Fleet street, Q, R. u v. 

167 Flint’s court, N. o. 

168 Flintham’s wharves, O P. u v. 

169 Flowers’s alley, S. t. 

170 Flower’s whaif, G H. u v. 

171 Fon’s wharf, W X. z. 

172 Ford’s Cotton Manufactory, R. 1. 

173 Fourth Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground, II I. 1. 

174 Fourth Presbyterian Churcli, H I. qr. 

Fourth street, H 1. r. 

Fourth street (Sch.), HI. fg. 

F'rancis’s lane, S. c. 

Francis street (V), g-. 

Frankford road, U V. v. 

Franklin square, O P. p. 

Franklin street, O P. o p. ^ 

Fi’anklin street (K), V. rs. 

175 Franklin court, M. r s. 

176 Free Friends’ Burial-Gro\ind, K. q. 

177 Free Friends’ Meeting-House, N. q. 

178 Friends’Alms-House, IvL. rs. 

179 Friends’ Arch street Meeting-House and Bmial-Ground, 

N. r s. 

180 Friends’ Keys’ alley Meeting and School-House, O P. t. 

181 Friends’ Meeting and School-House, I. s t. 

182 Friends’ Meeting-House (N. L), RS. r. 

183 Friends’ Twelfth street Meeting-House, L M. Im. 

184 ITiends’ Burial-Ground, N O. h. 

185 Friends’ Burial-Ground, E. r. 

186 Friends’ Academy, L M. rs. 

187 Fries’s wharf, KL. tu. 

188 Fries’s court, M N. m. 

189 Fromberger’s court, N. s. 

Front street, H 1. 1 . 

I'ront street (Sch.), H I. d c. 

Fuller’s alley, F G. t u. 

Fulmer’s lane, T. b c. 


218 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


G 

190 Gaol (state) Work-House, K L. p q. See New Jail and 

Penitentiary. 

191 Galbraith’s court, F G. s. 

Garden srreet, V Q. n o. 

192 Gardener’s whai’ves, L M. t u. 

193 Gai-rigues’s court, O P. p q. 

Gask'll street, HI. qr. 

194 Gaw’s court, N O. t. 

Georg'e alley, O P. h. 

Gecrj^e street, L M. e. See Little George. 

Georg-c street, little (C), L M. p. 

Geonfe street (N. L),- U V. q r. 

Georg’e street (S), G H. s. 

Geoig'e street (Y), U. f. 

195 German Reformed, or Calvinist Church, O. r. 

196 German Reformed, or Calvinist Burial-Ground, O P. p. 

197 German Reformed, or Calvinist Burial-Ground (Sch.), 

N O. g h. 

1972 Gennaii Reformed Calvinists* Church, RS.—Burial 
Ground, 1972? U V. u v. 

198 Ger?nan Hall, M. o p. 

199 German Lutlieran Academy, S T. s. 

200 German Lutheran Burial-Ground, OP. op. 

201 German Lutheran Burial-Ground, N O. q r. 

202 German Lutiieran Free School, N O. r. 

Gti ir.an street, F G. s. See Little German. 
Germantown road, U. t. 

203 Giles’s alley, H 1. q. 

204 Girard’s Bank, L M. r s. 

205 Girai'd’.s wna'ves, MN. tu. • 

206 Glass-House (Sch.), 11. b. 

207 Glass-House (K), W X. z. 

Globe Mill cotton spinning- factory, V. s. 

Goddard’s alley. See Holmes*. 

208 Golorth alley, L M. s. 

209 Golden Swan Tavern, NO. rs. 

210 Goodwater alley, K L. o p. 

211 Graff’s alley, 6. t. 

Grand Lodg'e of Pennsylvania. See Masonic Hall 
Grape alley (Y), Y. g. 




213 


OF STREETS, 8cC. 

Grape alley (C), L M. o. 

212 Gray’s alley, L M. st. 

213 Gray’s court, S T. t u. 

Gray’s Feny road, D E. a. 

214 Greenleaf’s court, M. q r. 

215 Green’s court, I K. q r. 

Green street, R S. k. 

216 Green street, V W. s. 

Greenwich road, A R. tu. 

217 Grindstone alley, M N. s. 

218 Grisel’s alley, G II. q. 

H 

Habacker street, O P. h. 

219 Haines’ whai-f, Q R. u v. 

Hamilton street, Q. c. 

220 Hamilton’s wharf, K. u. 

Hanover street, V VV^ x. 

221 Harmony court or street, L. rs. 

222 Harmony court, O P. t. 

223 Harp and Eag-le Hotel, N. rs. 

Harper street, U. p. 

224 Harper’s alley, K L. t u. 

225 Hamson’s white lead manufactory and chemical labora¬ 

tory, Z. t. 

226 Harris’s court, 1\I. s t. 

227 Hart’s court, P Q. t. 

Hartshorn’s wharf. See 'part of the south pier of Flbu 
tham’s. 

Hartung’s alley, M N. s. 

228 Hause’s court, N O. n o. 

Haydock street, 1' U. u. 

229 Hay-market, Q. R. p. 

230 Hay-market and scales (N. L), R S. q. 

231 Hay-scales (N. L), T U. u. 

232 Hay-scales (S), E F. s t. 

Huyter’s rope walk, W X. r s. 

233 Hazlehurst’s couid, M. n. 

Health Office and l)ispensar}\ See Dispensary. 

234 Heiskell’s Hotel, Indian Queen, L M. r. 

Hill street, R S. f g. 

235 Hill’s whaif, E F. u v. 


220 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


236 Hill’s wharf (K), W. z. 

237 Heyde’s couit, N. n o. 

Hig'h street, M N. d e. 

Hillzeimer street. See Lemon. 

Hinkle & Myers’s court. See Myers^, &c. court. 

238 Hodge’s whiuf, N O. t u. 

239 Hoffman’s alley, N O. q. 

240 Hoffman’s whart^ W X. z. 

241 Holmes’Alley, P. st. 

242 Kollingsv/orth’s wharves, I K. ii. 

243 Holy Trinity Church and Burial-Ground, German Ro¬ 

man Catholics, IK. p q. 

Hoover’s rope walk, E. s. ' 

244 Hoover’s wharf, S T. v w. 

245 Hopkins’s court, U V. t. 

246 Horse-market and Centre Tavera, M. k 1. 

Hospitals. See Pennsylvania^ City, and Christ Church. 
Huuse of Employment and Alms-House, I K. m n. 

247 Howel & Shoemaker’s wharf, N. u. 

248 Hozey’s wharf, F. u v. 

249 Huddell’s wharf, F G. u v. 

Huddell’s court. See Iluddell’s wharf. 

Huddell’s alley. See near HuddeWs wfuirf. 

250 Huddell’s whaif, F G. u v. 

251 Hudson’s alley, L M. r s. 

Hudson’s lane. See Christian street. 

252 Humphrey’s wharf, F G. u v. 

253 Humphrey’s wharf', D E. u v. 

254 Hunter’s court, M n. m n. 

Hunter street, R S. b. 

Hurst street, H I. q. 

255 Hutton’s court, H. p. 

1 

256 Imlay & Potts’s wharf, M N. t u. 

257 Increase court, L. n. 

Independent Tabernacle. See Seventh Presbyteiiaui 
Church. 

258 Indian King Tavern, M. r s. s 
Irish lane, D, h. 


OF STREETS, &C. 


221 


J 

Jacoby street, N O. 1. 

259 James alley, O P. o. 

James street, Q,. k. 

Jail. See Gaol^ &c. 

Jarvis’s lane, B C. t. 

260 Jefferls’s Hotel, AI. o p. 

261 Jefferson avenue, L. I k. 

262 Jews’ Burial-Ciround (K), W. v. 

263 Jews’ Bui’lal-Ground (C), J K. o. 

264 Jews’Synag'og’ue, NO. rs. 

265 Jews’ Synag-og-ue (German), MN. rs. 

266 Jones’ alley, H I. p q. 

267 Jones’ alley (N. L), S. t. 

Jones’ wharf. See Bright*s. 

John street, P. p. 

John street, Q R. b. 

Johns’ Hotel. See White Horse. 

268 Johns & Leonard’s wharf and boat shop, Q R. u v. 
Johns’ street, E. t. 

Johnson’s lane, C D. r. 

269 Johnson’s wharf, IK. u. 

Johnson’s rope-walk, B C. u. 

270 Johnson’s court, It S. t u. 

271 Joint alley, L M. i k. 

272 Judd’s Hotel, L M. rs. 

Jones’s alley, M N. s t. 

273 Jones’s wharf, O P. u. 

Julianna street, P. cp 

274 Juniper alley, M. m n. 

275 Juniper lane, M. m n. 

Juniper street, 1. k 1. 

K 

Kelley’s alley. See Davis's. 

276 Kennedy’s wharf, T. w. 

277 Kensington Burial-Ground, Y. w. 

278 Kensington market, T U. v. 

Kensin^on Methodist Church. See Methodist Churchf 
Kensington, 
r 


222 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


Kensington Presbyterian Church. See Presbyterian 
Churchy Kemingtmi. 

Ken’’s rope-walk, V W. u v. 

279 Kessler’s alley, R S. r. 

Keeler’s lane, A. t. 

Kern’s whaif. See Hamilton's. 

Keyser &. Dickson’s wharf. See Smith’s (K) t 

Key’s alley, O P. s t. 

280 Keyser &. Gorg-as’s wharf, Q. u v. 

281 Knight’s and Moore’s courts, NO.no. 

282 Knight’s wharf, R. u v. 

Knoodle street, KN. hi. 

283 Khoit’s wharf, P Q. u. 

283^ Kugler's court, O. r. 

Kunckel street, F Q. r s. 

L 

284 Lsetitia court, M. s t. 

285 Lambert street, O P. k 1. 

Lancasterian schools. See Public schools. 

Lancaster street, O P. 1. 

Landreth’s Garden, D K. d e.' 

286 Latimer & Murdock’s wharf, N O. t u. 

Laurel street, K. s. 

Laurel street (N. L), T st. 

Lanreiice street, P. o p. 

287 Lebanon Garden and Tavern, H. n. 

288 Lehigh Coal Company’s Dock, Q. u. 

289 Leib alley, O P. n o. 

290 Leiper’s wharf, P Q. u. 

291 Lemon street, O P. o. 

Leopard street, U V. u v. 

292 Lewis’s alley, G H. p q. 

293 Lewis & Co’s white-lead manufactory, I. h. 

294 Liberty alley, R. t u. 

295 Library, (with Loganian Library,) L M. qr. 

Libraiy street, L. q r. 

296 Leiper’s court, N. m. 

Lily alley, R. s. 

297 Little’s court, F G. s t. 

298 Littleboy’s court, N. s. 

299 Little Dock street, IK. st. 


223 


OF STREETS, 8lC. 

Little Georg-e street. See George street. 

Little German street. See Mead alley. 

300 Little Oak street, G H. q. 

Inttle pine street, H I. o p. 

Little Wasliington street, D. st. 

Little Water street. Til. tu. 

Locust street, K I., e. 

Lodge alley, L M. o p. 

Lodge street. See New Bank street. 

301 Lolar’s court, Q Ti. t u. 

Lolar’s boat-shop. See Thatcher^s wharf. 

Lombard street, H I. e f. 

Lombard street alley. See foot of Lombard street, 

302 I.ombardy Garden, M N. i. 

Long lane, A. d e. 

303 Longstreth’s paper-hanging manufactory, L. r. 

Long wharf. See Bickley's. 

Lower engine-house and basin. See steam rolling mill. 

304 Loxley’s court, N O. r. 

305 I.,oxley’s court, I K. s t. 

306 Lynddl’s alley, K L. 1. 


M 

Madison avenue, O P. m. 

307 Magdalen Asylum, O. e. 

308 Magnolia street, Q. q. 

309 Maidens’ row, F G. s t. 

Maiden street, T U. u. 

310 Malt alley, O. p. 

311 Man.sion-House Hotel, K. r s. 

312 Maple street, O. o. 

Marble street, M. m n. 

313 Marble court, K L. k. 

314 Margaret alley, 0.1. 

Margaretta sti-eet, Q. t. 

Maria street, S T. q. 

^Luine Insurance Office. See United States\ next door 
east. 

315 Market-House (with fi-'h market) !M o u. See New, 

Northern Liberties, Callocvhill, Kensington, Broad street, 
and Wharton. 


224 


ArniABETICAt LIST 


316 Mariner’s Church, N O. q. 316 Mariner’s Church, 

(building) L. t u. 

Market sti'eet. See High. 

317 Market sti’eet wharf, M. tu. 

Mark’s lane, N O. m. 

Marlborough street, V. w x. 

318 Maris & Evans’s whai’f, L M. tu. 

319 Marshall’s alley, and Bell’s court, K. qr. 

Marsh street, S T. u. 

320 Mary’s alley, H1. p q. 

Mary street (K), Y Z. vw. 

Mary street (S), D E. t. 

Massey’s wharf. See Masden & Buiikeds. 

321 Masden & Bunker’s wharf, L M. t u. 

Masonic Hall. See New Masonic Hall. 

Mastei’s’ street, \V X* s t. 

322 Matlack’s coui’t, I K. t. 

323 Maul & Co.’s wharf, Q R. u v. 

Mayor’s coiut and office. See State-House. 

324 M’Cloud’s court, O. q r. 

325 M’Culloch’s court, O P. t. 

326 M’Ginnes’ court, H. t. 

M’Leod’s rope-walk, C. u. 

327 M’Mullin’s wharf, E F. u v. , 

Mead alley, F G. t. 

Meadow street, A. u v. 

328 Mechanics’ Bank, M. r s. 

Mechanic street, OP.no. 

Melon street, S T. k 1. 

329 Menonists or Hunkers’ Church, P Q. q r. 

330 Merchants’ coffee-house, L. s t. 

331 Meredith’s court, R. q. 

Meiritt’s lane, E F. q r. 

332 Meeting-House, formerly African Baptist, O P. k 1. 
Mercer street, K L. m. 

333 Methodist Church (K), V. w x. 

Middle alley, 1. p. 

Mifflin’s alley. See Elmslie’s alley. 

Millerts alley (Sch.), O^P. i k. 

333^ Miller’s alley, K. p q. 

334 Millerts court (C), OP. rs. 

335 Millei’’s court (C), IK. qr. 


225 


or STttEETS, &C. 

336 Miller’s court (N. L) R S. t. 

337 Miller’s court (N. L), Q li. s t. 

Minor street, L M. q. 

338 Mintzer’s court, P Q. st. 

339 Mint of United States, N. p. 

340 Mint court, N O. o. 

Moore street, A. v w. 

Moravian alley. See Bread street. 

341 Moravian Burial-Ground, P. o p. 

342 Moravian Church, O. s. 

343 Morris & Brother’s Chemical Laboratory, O. k 1. 

Morris street, Q R. b c. 

Morris street, A B. v. 

Morris’s rope-walks, B C. u. 

Morris’s alley. See Gray's. 

344 Morris’s wharf, K L. u. 

345 Morton’s wharf, K L. u. 

346 Mount Sion or Clu’istian Church and Burial-Ground, F. 

p q- 

Moyamensmg road, A. r s. ~ 

347 Moyamensing' Alms-House and Burial-Ground, F G. i. 
Mud lane, Y Z. r. 

348 Mulberry comi:, M N. p q. 

Mulbeny street, N O. d e. 

Museum (Peak’s, or Philadelphia). See State-Home. 

349 Musical Fund Society’s Hall, K L. o. Present Uall^ see 

Apprentice's Library. 

350 Mutual Assurance Company, K L. s. 

351 Myers’ and Hinckle’s coui’t, O P. p q. 

352 Myer’s comt, O P. r s. 

N 

353 Naglee’s wharf, R S. v. 

Navy-Yard, C D. u. 

354 Nazareth Methodist Meeting-House, OP, k I. 

355 New Bank street, L. s. 

356 New Jerusalem Temple, L M. 1 m. 

New Jail, for the confinement of debtors and vagrants, 
and prisoners before trial, N. i See Gaol. 

T)57 New market street Baptist Church and Burial-Ground, 
R. t. 

358 New market, H I. s t. 

T 2 


226 


AlPHABETICAL LIST 


New market street, P Q. t. 

359 New Masonic Hall of the Grand Lodge, L M. o p. 

360 New Methodist Meeting-House, P. m n. 

New street, O P. r. 

361 New Theatre, L M. p q. 

New Water-Works. See Fair Mounts &c. 

362 Nicholson street, O. p. 

363 Ninth Presbyterian Church, M N. k 1. 

Ninth street, H I. n o. 

364 Nixon’s wharf (Sch.), Q. ab. 

365 Nixon’s wharf, I. u. 

Noble street, Q. n o. 

366 Nonnatere’s court, N. m n. 

367 Norman alley, O P. k 1. 

Noms’s alley, L. s t. 

Norris’s rope-walk, V. t. 

Norris sti'eet. See Library street. 

368 Norris’s wharf, V. y z. 

369 North America Bank, L M. r s. 

370 North America Insurance Office, K L. s t. 

371 Northern Liberties Bank, P. s. 

372 Northern Liberties Market, &c. S. t. 

373 Northern Liberties Watch-House, R S. s t 
Northern Dispensary. See Dispensaryy &c. 

North alley, M N. q. 

, North street, OP. mn. 

Nortli Whai’ves, north of Market street, to Vine. 

O 

Oak street (N. L), Q R. u. 

Oak street (S), G H. q r. See Little Oal\ 

374 Ogden’s alley, L. M. h i. 

375 Ogilby’s wharf and ship-yard, G. u v. 

376 Ohio street, 1.1 m. 

377 Old College, N. q r. 

Old Court-House. See Watch-House^ Eastern. 

378 Old Ebenezer Church, F G. s t. 

379 Old Masonic Lodge, M N. o. 

Old Roman Catholic Church. See St. JosepFs. 

380 Old Water-Works, public walk, and Fountain, MN. k. 

See Lower Engine-House and Basin. 


OF STHEETS, &.€. 


227 


Old York road, P Q. r. 

380^ Olympic Theatre, L. n o. 

Orang'e street, K. o p. 

Orange street (K), Y. vw. 

381 Orphan’s Asylum, N O. g. 

382 Osborn’s court, L. o. 

Otter street, U. t u. 

Oxford street, X Y. u v. 

P 

Palmer street, W. x y. 

Palmyra square, north side of Vine street, from Tenth 
to Eleventh streets. 

Paper alley, N. k. • 

Parham’s alley, F G. t u. 

Parke street, P Q. f g. 

383 Parkerts cotton-spinning manufactoiy, V. u v. 
Paschall’s alley, R S. q r. 

Passyunk roacl, li C. m n. TAis is the division line be¬ 
tween Moyamensing and Southwark. 

384 Patent floor-cloth manufactoiy (Macaulay’s) Q R. gli. 
Patton’s court. See lianstead. 

Peak’s Museum. See Museum. 

Pearl street, Q R. a b. 

Peai'sol’s rope-walk, C D. u. 

385 Pearson’s court, M N. p. 

Pear street, K L. s. 

Pegg street, P Q no. 

386 Pemberton’s alley, O P. r s. 

Penington’s alley. See Crown street. 

Penitential^', S T. d e. 

Penn street, G H. t u. 

Penn street (K), S T. v. 

387 Pennsylvania Avenue, and Clawgcs’ court, 0 P. q. 

388 Pennsylvania Bank, L. s t. 

Pennsylvania Hospital, I K. n o. 

389 Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, M. lU. 

389 New Buildingt I K. i k. 

390 Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company, L M. q. 

391 Pennsylvania Insurance Office, K L. s t, 

392 Perkenpine court, S. t. 

393 Penrose’s wharf, P G. u v. 


228 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


394 Penrose’s wharf, F. u v. 

395 Penrose’s wharf, G H. u. 

Permanent bridge, M N. b c. 

396 Perot’s whaif, M N. t u. 

Perry street, H I. 1. 

397 Peter’s alley, S T. r. 

Peter street, O P. I. 

398 Petticoat alley, S. rs. 

Pewterplatter alley. See Jmes*s alley. 

399 Pfeiffer’s alley, P Q,. s t. 

400 Pfeiffer’s court, U V. s t. 

4001 Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science, N O. t. 

401 Philadelphia Bank, L M. r. 

402 Philadelphia Contributionship for insurance from loss 

by fire, K L. t. 

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. See German Hall. 

403 Philadelphia Insurance Office, K L. s t. 

404 Philadelphia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, M N. n o. 
Philadelpliia Museum. See Museum. 

405 Philadelphia steam rolling-mill, L M. d. 

406 Philadelphia Society Charity-School, L. p. 

407 Philosophical Hall, and Athenzeum, L M. q. See State- 

House. 

408 Phoenix Insurance Office, K L. s t. 

Phoenix sti'eet, V W. u. 

409 Pine alley, II. r s. 

Pine street. See Little Pine. 

410 pink alley, O P. n. - ' 

Pitt street, 'I' U. s. 

Pleasants street, Q. m n. 

411 Pleasant Avenue, HI. op. 

412 Plum alley, K L. m n. 

413 Plum alley (M), G 11. q. 

Plum street, G. s. 

Point road (S). See Greenwich. 

Point-no-Poiut road. See Queen street (K). 

414 Pollard’s alley, T U. t. 

Poi)lar alley. See Apricot alley. 

Poplar lane, S T. t. 

415 Portland lane, IK. p q. 

416 Port Warden’s Office, K L. t. 

417 Post Office, L M. r s. 


229 


OF STREETS, &C. 

Potter’s Field. See City Public Burial-Ground. 

Powell street, I K. q. 

Powell sti'eet (V), T U. g’h. 

418 Pratt’s court, R S. t u. 

Pi att’s Garden, S T. a. 

419 Pratt & Kintzing-’s wharf, N O. u. 

420 Presbytei-ian Church and Hurial-Ground (K), AV. xy. 

421 Presbyterian Church (N. L), R S. s t. 

422 Presbyterian Churcli Burial-Ground, V. v w. 

423 Presbyterian court, li I. r. 

Prime street, 1) E. s t. 

Prince street, V AV. v w. 

424 Pritchett’s wharf, L M. t u. 

425 Prospect alley, N. n. 

426 Prosperous alley, K. m. 

Protestant Episcopal Academy. See Episcopaldcad£my. 
Prune street, K L. q. 

427 Prune street theatre, K L. q. 

428 Pi^mrts alley, K. n o. 

429 Public school (C), O P. o. 

430 Public school (C), li 1. p q. 

431 Public school (N. L), Q R. t. 

432 Public school. See Spring Garden Meeting and Schools 

House. Public Sch,(K\AA*X.v 

433 Public school (S), FG.h’s. 

434 Public school (Alj, F G. p q. 

434^ Pump alley, G li. p. 

Q 

435 Quarr}'^ street, N O. r s. 

Queen street (C), F. tu. 

Queen street (or Point-no-Point road), U V. v w. 

Quince street, H I. 1 in. 

Quoit Company’s g-round, S T. a. 

R 

Race street. See Sassafras. 

Rachel street, S T. t. 

436 Randall’s court, K I... n o. 

437 Randolph’s court, O. s. 

438 Randolph’s whaif, P Q. ii v. 

439 Ranstead coiu’t, L M. r. 



230 ALPHABETICAL LIST 

440 Uapin’s court, M. r s. 

Raspbeny alley, K. n. 

441 Raspberry lane, N O. o. 

442 Read’s alley, H. q. 

Recordei’’s office. See State-House. 

Red-store wharf. See Smith's. 

' Reece’s wharf. See Cramp's. 

Reed street, C. t. 

Reformed Scots Presbyterian Church. See Eighth Pres¬ 
byterian. 

443 Relief alley, L M. r s. 

Relief street, HI. s t. 

444 Reservoirs of Fair Mount Water Works, R. ab, 

445 Rice’s wharf, V. y z. 

446 Richai-dson’s court, O q r. 

Rldg*e road. See Wissahiccon. 

447’ Rldgway’s wharf, O P. u. 

448 Ridg’way’s wharf (Sch.), P Q. b. 

449 Riehl’s coui-t, T U. r s. 

450 Ripke’s Cotton Manufactoiy, T U. r. 

Roache’s wharf See Huddle's. 

451 Robbins’s wharf, S T. v w. 

Robinson’s rope-walk, C. r. 

452 Rodgers’s court 

Rose alley (N. L), R. s. 

453 Rose alley (C), K L. 1 m. 

Rose street, U V. s t. 

Rowland’s Steel Manufactory, near the Glass-House (K). 

454 Rowland’s Saw Manufactory, N O. o p. 

455 Rowlinson’s court, O P. s t. 

456 Rugan street, P Q. n. 

457 Rush’s coiui, 1 K. r. 

458 Rush & Mulilenburg, Engineers and Iron Founders, Q R. h. 

S 

Sage street, X. u. 

459 Salem Metliodist Church, IK. 1. 

460 Sansom’s alley, Q R. s. 

461 Sansom street Baptist Church, L. n o. 

462 Sansom street Baptist Church Burial-Ground, L M. 1 m. 
Sansom’s Row, noitli side of Walnut, from Seventh 1© 

Eighth street. ' 




eF STHEETS, StC. 231 

Sansom’s (Union) How, west side of Second, nortli from 
Willow nearly to Noble street. \ 

Sansom street, L. o. 

Sarah street, U V. v. 

463 Sassafras alley, O P. q. 

Sassafras street, O. e. 

464 Saunders’s court^ U. s. 

465 Saving-s Fund Society or Bank, M. p. 

Say street, O P. h i. 

466 Say’s court, N. r s. 

Schively’s alley. See Bryan’s. 

467 Schleisman’s alley, T U. r s. 

468 Schuylkill i-tpqiiSch.Alley l.m 

469 Schuylkill Baptising- Meeting-'Uouse, I K. c. 

Schuylkill Navig-ation Company. See German Hall. 

470 Scots’ Presbyterian Bui-ial-Ground, 1 K. k 1. 

471 Scots’ Presbyterian Church, L. q r. 

Scott’s alley, M. m n. 

472 Scott’s court, S T. t u. 

Seceders’ Church. See Ninth Preshyterian. 

473 Second Baptist (Hope) Church and Burial-Ground, T. t. 

474 Second Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground, N O. q. 

475 Second Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground (N. L), 

Q R. q. 

476 Second Presbyterian Church, N O. r s. 

477 Second African Presbyterian Church, L. t. 

478 Second Reformed Dutch Church and Burial-Ground, 

Spring Gai'den, Q. o. 

Second Universalists’ Church. See Universalists’ Church. 
Second street, IK. st. 

Second street (Sch.), H I. e. 

479 Seits’s court, O. s t. 

480 Seventh Presbyterian Church and Burial-Ground, M. q r. 

481 Seventh Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground, N O. g. 
Seventh street, H I. p. 

Seventh street (Sch.), III. h i. 

482 Sewer alley. 

483 Sexton’s wharf, S. v. 

Shackamaxon street, U V. w. 

484 Sheaff’s alley, OP. 1 m. 

•85 Shepherd’s alley, N O. o p. 

Shepherd’s court. See Say’s. 


232 


ALFTIAHT.TTCAL LIST 


SheHfF’s office. See State-House. 

486 Shields’s alley, K. n o. 

Shinbone alley. See north end of Spajford street. 
Shippen’s lane, E. 1. 

Shippen street, G II. e. 

Shoemaker’s wharf. See Howell & Shoemaker’s. 

487 Shriver’s court, N O. o p. - 

488 Shrieves & Pany’s wharf, S T, v. w. 

489 Simmons’s wharf, P Q. u. 

490 Simmons’s court, P Q. t u. 

491 Sims’s alley, L M. t u. 

492 Sion Church (German Lutheran), N O. r. 

Sixth street, II I. p q. JSmih from Vine street it is the 
division line between the Northern Liberties and Penn 
Potvnship. 

Sixth street (Sch.), H I. gh. 

493 Sixth Presbyterian Church, K. p q. 

494 Sixth Presbytei’ian Church Burial-Ground, F. r. 

495 Small alley, H- s. 

Small street, G II. p q. 

Smith’s alley (N. L), K s. r s. 

496 Smith’s alley (C), II I. r s. 

497 Smith’s court, P Q,. o. 

498 Smith’s wharf, Q R. u v. 

499 Smith’s whaif, N O. u. 

500 Smith’s W. T. wharf, O. n. 

501 Snowden & Wagner’s wharf, E. uv. 

Snyder’s wharf. See south side of Thatcher’s. 

502 Sober’s alley, L. r. 

503 Sorrel-horse Tavern, M N. s t. 

South street. See Cedar. 

South alley, M N. q. 

Southern Dispensary. See Dispensary^ &c. 

South Wharves, south of Market street to South street. 
Spafford street, G II. p q. 

504 Spanish Place, K. p. 

505 Spark’s Shot Manufactory, E F. s t. 

506 Spring Garden Meeting and School-House, Q R, o. 
Spring Garden street, Q. R. k 1. 

Springett alley, II I. s. 

Spruce street, I K. d e. 

St. Andrew sti-eet, R S. e. 


233 


OF STREETS, See. 

507' St. Andrew’s Protestant Episcopal Church, K. o. 

508 St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, O P. r. 

509 St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Burial-Ground, S. h i. 

510 St. Bernard’s court, F G. s t. 

511 St. George’s Meeting-House (Methodist), OP. r. 

512 St. George’s (Mj^iodist) Burial-Ground, ST. hi. 

513 St. George’s (Mmliodist) Burial-Ground, O P. qr. 

St. George’s alley. See Baker’s alley. 

514 St. James’s Protestant Episcopal Church, M N. p. 

515 St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Church and Burial- 

Ground, S. s. 

516 St. John’s English Lutheran Church and Burial-Ground, 

OP. q. 

517 St. John street Methodist Church and Bui'ial-Ground, 

U. s. 

St. John sti’eet, Q R. s. 

St. Joseph’s avenue, L M. g h. 

518 St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, KL. r. 

519 St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Burial-Ground, E. o. 

520 St. Joseph’s Roman CathoUc Burial-Ground, E F. q r. 

521 St. Mary’s Burial-Ground, IK. k 1, 

522 St. Maiy’s Roman Catholic Church and Bui’ial-Ground;, 

K. qr. 

St. Maiy sti’eet, H I. p. 

523 St. Matthew’s Protestant Episcopal Church, U V. f. 

524 St. Michael’s German Lutheran Chui'ch and Burial- 

Ground, N O. q r. 

525 St. Paul’s Protestant Episcopal Chm’ch and Burial- 

Ground, K L. r s. 

526 St. Peter’s Protestant Episcopal Church and Burial- 

Ground, r. r s. 

527 St. Stephen’s Protestant Episcopal Church, M. n. 

528 St. Thomas’s (African) Protestant Episcopal Church and 

Burial-Ground, K L. q. 

Stable alley, I. M. o p. 

Stamper’s alley, 111. s. 

529 Stan- alley, N O. p q. 

530 State Arsenal or Armory, L M. k 1. 

State-House, Yard, Museum, Pliilosophical Hall, &c. 
I. M. q. 

State Prison. See Gaol. 

Steam Rolling Mill. See Philadelphia Steamy &c. 




234 AirnABETICAL LIST 

531 Steel’s Cotton Manufactory, H I. p q. 

Steinmetz’s coiu’t (^C). See Miller^s. . 

532 Steinmetz’s court (N. L'l, R. q. 

533 Stephens’s Cotton ManLUactoiy, L. m. 

534 Sterling' alley, O. r s. 

535 Stewait’s aJley, O. m. ^ 

536 Steurart’s court, O. m. ™ 

537 Stiles’s wharf, R S. v. 

538 St'llhouse alley, Q R. t u. 

Stillhouse wharf. See Wharton^s. 

Sti-awbeiTy alley, L M. s. 

539 Sturgis’s court, H I. q. 

Sugar alley, M N. p. 

540 Sugar-house alley, P. rs. 

541 Sumerl’s whai’f, N O. u. 

542 Summer’s court, F. s. , 

Surgeon’s Mali, or Medical Theatre. See Univerdty. 
Swanson street, A. u. 

543 Sw'anwick street,, L. p q. 

Swedenborgian Church. See New Jerusalem Temple, 
Swedenborgian Church meets in Commissioners’ Hall 
(S). 

Swedes’ alley. See north end of Church street. 

544 Swedes’ Burial-Ground, E F. s t. 

545 Sw'edish Church and Burial-Ground, E. u. 

546 Swift’s wharf, E. u v. 


T 

Tammany street, Q R. q r. 

547 Taper alley, RS.st. 

548 Taylor’s alley, L M, s t. 

549 Taylor’s wharf, V W. y z. 

550 Taylor’s court, T. t u. 

550^ Tees & Vannook’s wharf and sliip-yard, U. x. 

Tenth street, H I. n. 

551 Thatcher’s wharf, Q R. u v. 

552 Third Baptist Church and Burial-Ground, F G. s t. 

553 Third Presbyterian Church and Burial-Ground, I. q r, 
553^ Third Presbyterian Church Burial-Ground, E. q r. 

Third street, H I. r s. 

Third street (Sch.), H I. e f. 

Thirteenth street, H I. 1. 


235 


OF STREETS, &C. 

554 Thomas’s wharf, F. u v. 

Thomson’s court. See Brown’s. 

Tidmash street, E F. o p. 

Tiers & TMiley’s rope-walks, E. p q. 

Timber lane, W X. o p. 

555 Tin alley, KL.^ 

556 Tivoli Garden ana Theatre, M N. k 1. 

557 Ton alley, L M. t u. 

558 Torr’s alley, P Q. n o. 

559 I’ownsend’s court, I K. s. 

560 Traquairts court, M N. n. 

561 Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church and Burial-Ground, 

F G. s. 

562 Trotter’s alley, M. s. 

563 Trusty’s court, K. p q. 

564 Turner’s court, F G. r s. 

Turner’s Lane, Y. e f. 

Twelfth street, H I. 1 m. 

565 Type Foundry, H. n o. 

I'ype alley, P. k. 

U 

Union alley, E F. t u. 

5651 Union Hall, L M. t. 

566 Union Insurance Office. See United States* Insurance, 

next door but one east. 

567 Union Methodist Church and Burial-Ground, M N. q r. 

568 Union African Methodist Church and Burial-Ground, S. 

qr. 

Union street (C), IK. rs. 

Union street (K), V W. w x. 

568^ Unitarian Chiudi. 

United States’ Arsenal, E F. a. 

569 United States’ Bank, L M. qr. 

570 United States’, Union, and Marine Insurance Offices, L. 

s t. 

571 Unity court. See Pleasant Avenue. 

572 Univei’salist Chui’ch and Burial-Ground, II I. r. 

573 Universalist Church, Q. q r. 

574 Universalist Church Burial-Ground, G. p. 

575 University of Pennsylvania and Medical Theatre, M. no. 

576 Unrick alley, S. q. 

Upper Permanent Bridge, Q R. a. 


236 


ALPHABETICAL LIST 


V 

577 Vandusen’s wharf and ship-yard, U V. y. 

578 Vaughan & Haines’s wharf and ship-yard, U V. xy. 

579 Vaughan’s T. & J. wharf and ship-yard, U. x. 

580 Vauxhall Gai'den, L. k. 

581 Vaux’s coiul, I. n. ^ 

Vernon sti*eet, H I. s t. 

582 Videl’s couiT, L M. s t. 

Vienna sti'eet, W X. y z. 

Vine alley, O. h. 

Vine alley. See Type alley. 

Vine street. The northern boundary of the dtyy P. d c. 
Vineyai’d street (V), T U. f. 

W 

583 Wagner’s alley, N O. o p. 

584 Waglom’s coiut, N O. o p. 

585 Walker’s court, PQ. st, 

Wallace street, S. k. 

‘586 Wallace’s couit, M N. t. 

587 Wall’s Elbow, Q R. t. v ’ 

588 Wall’s wharf, K. u. 

589 Wain’s W. wharf, G H. u v. 

590 Walnut alley, N O. kl. . 

Walnut street, L. d e. .' 

591 Waltei-s’s wharf, R. u v. 

Walton’s wharf. See Britton*s /. 

592 Wai’der’s wharf, R. v. 

593 Warder’s whaif, O. u. 

WaiTen street, V. W. yz. 

WaiTen street (C), K. Irn. 

594 Wasliington Hall, K. r s. 

Washington Squai’e, KL. p. 

595 Washington Museum, M. s t.—new building, 595, M. o. 
Washington street (SI, D E. u. See Little TVashington. 
Washington street (P. T), P. c 

Washington sti’eet (C), K L. pj.iv 
Washington street (P. T) R S. k'l. 

596 Wasliington court, H I. p. 

Watchman’s Hall. See Watch-House^ eastei'ih 

597 Watch-House, eastern (C), MN. st. 


OF STREETS, 8cC. 237 

Watch-House, and watchmen’s oil store-house. See Old 
Water Works. 

Water street, I K. t u. See Little Water. 

Water street (Sch.), G H. b. 

Water Works. See Fair Mount, &c. 

Watkin’s alley. See Fetter lane. 

598 Watman’s alleyf'O P. r s. 

599 Watson’s alley, K. n. 

600 Weaver’s alley, K L. 1. 

Webb’s alley, N O. n. 

601 Wesley Church, African Methodist, HI. pq. 

602 West alley, N O. 1. 

603 West’s Painting*, I K. o. 

West street, X. v. 

604 Western Hotel, M. no. 

605 West’s court, P. t. 

606 West’s C. wharf, P. u. 

607 West’s W. wharf, P. u. 

608 Wetherill & Co.’s White-lead Manufactory and Chemical 

Laboratory, N O. 1 m. 

Wharf street, C. v. 

Wharton street, C D. s t. 

609 Wharton’s wharf, K L. u. 

610 Wharton’s wharf, I. u. 

611 Wharton’s wharf, E F. u v. 

612 Wharton market, I), s. 

613 Whitaker’s Row, K. q. 

614 White-Horse, or John’s Hotel, M. s. 

615 White-Bear Hotel, M. o. 

616 Whitehall street, R. u. 

617 White-Horse alley, NO. kl. 

618 Widows’ Asylum, N O. gh. 

619 Widows’ Asylum of Christ Church, N O. r &. 

620 Wiggins’s court, N O. q. 

621 Wiley’s court, O. m n. 

Williamson’s rope-walk, E F. n. 

William street,. P. c. 

William street, li V. t. 

622 Willing’s alley,, K L. r. 

623 Willing & Francis’s wharves, II I. u. 

Willow street (C), H I. c. 

Willow street, (N. L), P Q. q. 

X 





Wissahiccon or Ridg-e road, P Q. n. 

625 Wittaian’s alley, P Q. r. 

626 Wittman’s cour^ S. s. 

Wood street, P. g-. 

Wood street (K), W X. z. 
Woolston’s court. See Johnston's- ^ 

627 Workman’s court, G. t. 

628 Workman’s whaif, G. u v. 

629 Wright’s alley, O P. i k. 


Y 


630 Yoke’s Hotel, M N. r. 

York Buildings, south side of Walnut, between Washing¬ 
ton Square and Eighth sti-eet. 

631 York court, S. t. 

632 York street or coml, K. s. 


Z 


633 Zacharj'^’s court, L. s t. 

Zane street, M N. o p. 

634 Zeitlers & Rosengarlen’s Chemical Laboratory, U. s. 

635 Zoar Methodist Church, S T. r. 


THE END. 


r 



LED 78 








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